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Ruptured brain aneurysm

A ruptured weak spot in a blood vessel in the head is usually a ruptured brain aneurysm. This causes sudden bleeding around the brain. The classic symptom is an extremely severe headache that starts very suddenly and reaches maximum intensity within seconds to minutes. This is an emergency: call Ambulance 912 immediately.

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  • A ruptured weak spot in a blood vessel in the head is usually a ruptured aneurysm. It causes bleeding around the brain, often into the subarachnoid space.
  • The classic symptom is a sudden headache of unprecedented severity, reaching its maximum within seconds to minutes. This is also called a thunderclap headache.
  • Nausea, vomiting, neck stiffness, light sensitivity, confusion, fainting, double vision, a drooping eyelid or weakness may accompany it.
  • Do not wait for symptoms to settle or first try painkillers to see whether they help. Do not drive yourself. Call Ambulance 912 immediately for these symptoms.
  • After prompt diagnosis, treatment may be needed to reduce rebleeding, blood vessel spasm and brain damage. Early care makes a major difference.

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Further reading

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B
Brain aneurysmA brain aneurysm is a bulge in an artery in or around the brain. Many aneurysms cause no symptoms, but rupture often causes a sudden, unprecedentedly severe headache and can become life-threatening within minutes. Call Ambulance 912 immediately and do not drive yourself.
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StrokeA stroke happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is blocked or a blood vessel bursts. Every minute counts: recognise the signs and call 912 immediately.
H
HeadacheHeadaches are common and usually harmless, for example from tension, migraine, too little sleep or a viral infection. However, a headache can sometimes indicate a serious cause. A headache that suddenly reaches maximum intensity, or occurs with paralysis, speech problems, fever with a stiff neck, pregnancy-related warning signs or a red painful eye needs immediate medical assessment. Look at the pattern and accompanying symptoms as well as how severe the pain is.