When to Seek Medical Care

If you suspect a ruptured brain aneurysm, it's imperative to call your doctor immediately. The assessment for a suspected aneurysm rupture should be carried out promptly, ideally in a hospital's emergency department.

• If you're uncertain about the seriousness of your condition, consult your doctor for guidance. In most cases, your doctor will recommend seeking care in a hospital's emergency department.
• If you are a close relative of someone with a known aneurysm or a history of a ruptured aneurysm, inform your doctor. While routine screening for an aneurysm is rarely necessary, it's essential for your doctor to be aware of your family history.

A ruptured aneurysm is a life-threatening event. Any sudden and severe headache should prompt immediate evaluation by a doctor, particularly if it's accompanied by the following:

• Seizure
• Vomiting
• Altered consciousness
• Neurological symptoms, such as difficulty speaking, limb weakness, gait problems, severe dizziness, or changes in vision.
• It is most appropriate to seek evaluation in the emergency department.
• Ruptures often occur during times of stress or physical exertion. Any severe headache, regardless of other symptoms, warrants immediate investigation.

Individuals who experience migraine headaches with an established headache pattern should seek evaluation for a sudden, severe headache that differs from their usual pattern. This may include:

• An exceptionally intense headache
• A headache of maximum intensity at the outset
• A headache that occurs without warning, along with other symptoms.

Family members, especially siblings, of individuals with known aneurysms or a history of ruptured aneurysms are at higher risk and should seek prompt care for any new or concerning headache.

Anyone who has survived a ruptured aneurysm should be especially vigilant and seek immediate care for any new or suspicious headache. Additionally, prompt care should be sought for any of these symptoms:

• Unusual headache
• Head pain
• Eye pain
• Visual disturbances

Prevention

Currently, doctors do not recommend routine screening of family members for asymptomatic aneurysms.

• If you have one close family member who has experienced a ruptured aneurysm, your lifetime risk of a rupture is around 1% at age 50 and 2% at age 70.
• The risk of surgical repair for an asymptomatic aneurysm is 2-5%, which is higher than the risk of a spontaneous brain hemorrhage in such individuals.

Screening is advised for families with no symptoms but who have two members with a history of ruptured aneurysms.

• Siblings over 30 years of age are at particularly high risk and should undergo screening.
• Current recommendations suggest that family members should have an MRI angiography or helical CT angiography every five years.

The primary modifiable risk factors for aneurysm rupture include:

• Avoiding smoking cigarettes
• Managing high blood pressure
• Avoiding binge drinking

Furthermore, the use of amphetamines (speed), cocaine, and many medications for common colds can significantly raise blood pressure and increase the risk of rupture in individuals with brain aneurysms.