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Most people are unaware that they have an aneurysm until it bleeds or ruptures. Sometimes people find out they have an aneurysm by chance when they are undergoing investigations for some other medical problem.

Unruptured aneurysms often do not cause any symptoms. However, if they grow large or press on structures in the brain people can experience symptoms such as blurred or double vision. Many people feel that they have a ‘time bomb’ ticking inside their head when they discover they have an aneurysm and it can be very difficult to cope with these feelings.

The decision about whether or not to treat an unruptured aneurysm depends on a number of factors and you should make sure you understand why treatment is being offered or not. Generally, treatment will only be offered if the benefits outweigh the risks and some aneurysms are best left untreated because the risk of rupture is so low.You may also be advised on the factors which may increase the probability of the aneurysm rupturing, such as smoking and high blood pressure.