Aneurysms

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Signs and Symptoms

Aneurysms usually do not cause any symptoms until they burst. In most cases, it will then seal itself off on its own, but blood will remain around the crevices of the brain, causing what it is known as a subarachnoid hemorrhage. However, some aneurysms do not repair themselves on their own; in these cases, death may occur.

The hallmark symptom of a ruptured aneurysm is a sudden and severe headache. Other symptoms of the condition may differ for each child, depending on the location of the aneurysm and how much blood has seeped into the brain. Symptoms may include:

• Vomiting
• Stiff neck
• Photophobia, a condition in which eyes are sensitive to the light
• Weakness
• Seizures
• Coma or loss of consciousness
• Eye movement problems

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Children's Hospital.
Last updated August 15, 2007