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Support groups
  • AdventHealth Brain Aneurysm Support Group

    Winter Park, FL

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  • Baltimore Brain Aneurysm Foundation Support Group

    Lutherville-Timonium, MD

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  • Bay Area Aneurysm and Vascular Malformation Support Group

    San Francisco, CA

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Resources for Those with Symptoms

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Take a Deep Breath, Then Take Action If Needed

You’re likely visiting this page because you or your loved one has been experiencing symptoms that concern you – symptoms that you think may indicate a brain aneurysm. Take a deep breath, read on, and take recommended actions, if needed.

Unlike unruptured brain aneurysms, ruptured brain aneurysms – which require immediate attention – often cause sudden serious symptoms due to bleeding into the space around the brain. Such bleeding into the space around the brain is called a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).

Symptoms* of a ruptured brain aneurysm requiring emergency room trip via ambulance
  • Sudden and severe headache, often described as “the worst headache of my life”
  • Nausea/vomiting
  • Stiff neck
  • Blurred or double vision
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Seizure
  • Drooping eyelid
  • A dilated pupil
  • Pain above and behind the eye
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Confusion
  • Weakness and/or numbness

*The first symptom above – sudden and severe headache – is the most common ruptured brain aneurysm symptom.

If you or a loved one is experiencing ONE or more of the symptoms in the list above:
  1. CALL 911 immediately. Time is of the essence when it comes to this life-threatening condition.
  2. TRAVEL BY EMERGENCY VEHICLE ONLY to the hospital/emergency room (ER)
  • Lifesaving procedures may be required in the emergency vehicle.
  • DO NOT let a friend or family member drive you to the hospital and don’t drive yourself if you are experiencing symptoms.
  • DO NOT drive a friend or family member experiencing symptoms to the ER.

Why You Shouldn’t Hesitate or Wait

Still hesitating to take action, despite you or a loved one experiencing symptoms outlined in the list above? Sure, some of the above symptoms may be indicative of an unruptured brain aneurysm (requiring prompt but slightly less urgent medical attention) or of some other medical condition. But, we think it’s better to be safe, than be sorry. While the top few symptoms in the above list are the most common, each ruptured brain aneurysm patient’s episode is different – some experience only a couple of the symptoms, and some experience many or none in the list above.

What to Expect When You Arrive at the Hospital/ER

Once you arrive at the Hospital/ER, the healthcare team responsible for caring for you and evaluating your or loved one’s medical situation may arrange for you to undergo one or several diagnostic tests to determine whether or not your symptoms are those of a ruptured brain aneurysm.

Reap the Many Benefits of Staying Connected

Regardless of what your diagnostic tests reveal, you’ll likely feel quite shaken by your or your loved one’s unexpected need to be evaluated for a possible brain aneurysm on either an emergency or slightly less urgent basis. And, depending on the outcomes of exams, you may require immediate, difficult treatment. It’s so important during this time to feel connected with individuals and organizations who can help you feel less lost and navigate the emotional and physical challenges of a brain aneurysm diagnosis, or simply a brain aneurysm “scare.”

Connect With Us

We’re here to serve as a trusted and knowledgeable resource throughout your brain aneurysm journey.

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Connect With Others Facing Similar Challenges

When you or a loved one has faced the possibility of or is dealing with life-changing illness, it can feel like no-one understands and/or believes what you are going through. In addition, you may question if the symptoms or emotions you are experiencing as either a patient or a caregiver are normal. We suggest you read some of the personal stories found on our site. You’ll be sure to find a story that resonates with you and helps you understand that the thoughts and experiences you are having are not unusual for someone living with the impact of a brain aneurysm or brain aneurysm scare.

Want and need an interactive opportunity to receive acknowledgement that you’re understood? Find a support group near you or join our online community to give and get feedback and support from others experiencing what you are.

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Be Your Own Best Advocate by Staying Informed

Regardless of your or your loved one’s diagnosis status, the best way to make sure you’re aware of the latest treatments and research from which you might benefit is by reading publications written by, or attending virtual or in-person events whose speakers are brain aneurysm subject matter experts. These experts include healthcare providers, medical researchers, and more.

And, since Brain Aneurysm Foundation is considered to be the only comprehensive resource for brain aneurysm information, as well as a leader in supporting better brain aneurysm diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes, you’ll want to regularly visit our news page – a constantly updated, centralized collection of articles addressing important break-thrus in brain aneurysm diagnosis and treatment protocols, as well as inspirational articles addressing other brain aneurysm innovations or success stories.

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