This silent nature can make aneurysms difficult to detect early. A person may go about daily life without knowing that a blood vessel has weakened. However, “silent” does not always mean harmless. Some aneurysms may grow over time, and a small number can rupture, causing bleeding around the brain. A ruptured brain aneurysm is a medical emergency.

Possible Symptoms of an Unruptured Aneurysm

Although many unruptured aneurysms do not cause symptoms, larger ones may press on nerves or brain tissue. Possible warning signs can include pain above or behind one eye, a dilated pupil, double vision, changes in vision, numbness on one side of the face, or seizures. Mayo Clinic lists these as possible symptoms when an unruptured aneurysm affects nearby structures.

These symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, so they do not automatically mean someone has an aneurysm. Still, sudden or unusual neurological symptoms should not be ignored, especially if they are new, intense, or worsening.