The effects of an aneurysm will depend on what type of aneurysm it is. Cerebral varieties occur in the brain when an artery swells with blood and forms a small pocket. The same thing happens in an abdominal aneurysm, with the difference in the location of the inflamed artery. Both conditions may have no effect if the growths are small and do not rupture, or they may lead to seizures, strokes, internal bleeding, vision changes, and death.
Small aneurysms that haven't ruptured often don't usually cause any symptoms, and as long as they don't continue to grow or eventually burst, a person can live their entire life with one and never even realize it's there. Larger ones or ones that have ruptured, on the other hand, can lead to serious and life-threatening complications. The effects of an aneurysm that has ruptured or is very large can vary depending on the individual and the area where the aneurysm is located.
Cerebral aneurysms occur in the brain and can cause headaches, vision changes, mood swings, personality changes, migraines, sensitivity to light, dizziness, nausea, and stroke. If it hasn't ruptured, surgery can often be done to remove or kill the aneurysm by cutting off the blood supply. The long-term effects of an aneurysm that has not yet ruptured can be serious. After removal, extreme rehabilitation may be necessary for the patient to relearn how to walk, talk, eat, and care for themselves.
Ruptured brain aneurysms lead to death more than half the time. Many patients die within half an hour of rupture, and others may die several months later due to complications. Surviving patients may have lifelong disabilities due to brain damage, or may have to undergo months or even years of rehabilitation to relearn everyday tasks. Occasionally a patient will not suffer long-term effects from an aneurysm, although this is relatively rare after a rupture.
Abdominal aneurysms are very similar to those that occur in the brain. Smaller ones that haven't ruptured are often checked for potential growth and may not cause any effect. Larger varieties can cause abdominal pain and swelling, and are usually removed surgically or removed in the same way as a brain aneurysm. Burst aneurysms in the abdomen often lead to death, but the survival rate is higher than those in the brain.