Mark Swaim MD, PhD, understands that there may be some confusion between a migraine or an aneurysm. While the two conditions have similar symptoms, there are key ways to tell one from another.
How Brain Aneurysms Happen
The human brain contains many small vessels that transport blood. If one of those vessel walls is weak, it can bulge out and form a small balloon filled with blood.
This is called a brain aneurysm. You can have one for years without experiencing any symptoms or any problems. However, if it bursts, it can result in a very intense headache as well as other symptoms. You will also need emergency medical treatment because a burst aneurysm may lead to a fatal stroke.
The Main Difference
Mark Swaim MD, PhD, says that a burst aneurysm can often produce a headache that feels like a thunderclap. The pain comes on very suddenly, and it’s very severe.
A migraine, however, tends to happen gradually. While it can also result in acute pain, it usually doesn’t occur all at once.
The intensity and suddenness of a brain aneurysm go together, as opposed to the gradual build-up of a migraine. This is how you can tell the two conditions apart.
Other Aneurysm Symptoms
A seizure is another symptom that may show up with a burst aneurysm. Migraines don’t give you seizures. If you lose consciousness, that may also mean you have a ruptured brain aneurysm and not a migraine.
Shared Symptoms
In rare cases, Mark Swaim MD PhD explains, you can have an aneurysm that is growing or larger than normal. It can push on the surrounding tissue or nerves and result in migraine-like symptoms such as:
- Pain behind or above the eyes
- Numbness in the face
- Abnormal eye movements
- Headaches
- Vision changes
- Weakness
When an aneurysm leaks without fully bursting, this may also cause a headache. If you experience any of these symptoms, Mark Swaim MD PhD advises that you contact your doctor immediately.
Mark Swaim MD PhD 