Aneurysm, Brain (cont.)

When to Seek Medical Care

Call your doctor at once. Evaluation for a suspected rupture of a brain aneurysm must be performed immediately, most appropriately in a hospital's emergency department.

• If you have any questions about whether or not there is cause for concern, call your doctor for advice. The doctor most likely will advise you to seek care in a hospital's emergency department.
  
  
• If you are a close relative of someone with a known aneurysm, or ruptured aneurysm, inform your doctor. Your doctor will want to be aware of such information. You should realize, though, that you seldom need to be screened for an aneurysm unless you are having symptoms.

A ruptured aneurysm is a life-threatening event. Any headache that is severe and comes on suddenly should prompt immediate evaluation by a doctor, particularly if the headache is associated with any of the following:

• Seizure
  
  
• Vomiting
  
  
• Alteration in consciousness
  
  
• Neurological defects such as inability to speak, to move an extremity, walk, severe dizziness, changes in your vision
  
  
• This evaluation most appropriately occurs in the emergency department.
  
  
• Rupture of an aneurysm frequently occurs at times of stress or physical exertion. Any severe headache, with or without the symptoms described here, should be investigated immediately.
  
  
• People who experience migraine headaches with an established headache pattern should seek evaluation for any headache that is severe, comes on suddenly, and is different from their usual headache pattern. This might include the following:
  
  
  • A much more intense headache
    
    
  • A headache of maximum intensity at the onset
    
    
  • A headache without forewarning, among other symptoms
  
  
• Family members, particularly siblings, of people with known aneurysms or a history of ruptured aneurysm are at higher risk for rupture and should seek care promptly for any of these symptoms:
  
  
  • Unusual headache
    
    
  • Head pain
    
    
  • Eye pain
    
    
  • Visual disturbances
  
  
• Anyone who has survived a ruptured aneurysm should be especially concerned and seek care immediately for any new or suspicious headache.

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