When it comes to brain health, even the smallest symptoms can feel alarming—and understandably so. One condition that often raises concern is a brain aneurysm, a potentially serious issue that sometimes develops without any clear warning signs. At the Dr. Rami Hamed Center (DRHC) in Dubai, we understand how worrying neurological symptoms can be, and we’re here to help you get clear answers using advanced imaging tools like Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA).
A brain aneurysm is a weak or thin spot in a blood vessel in the brain that bulges outward, similar to a balloon. While many aneurysms remain stable and never cause problems, others can leak or rupture, leading to life-threatening bleeding in the brain—a condition called subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Early detection is critical. The challenge is that aneurysms often show no symptoms until they rupture. However, there are still some signs you can watch for—and if you’re at risk, an MRA scan can be an essential, non-invasive way to detect problems early.
Not everyone experiences symptoms before an aneurysm ruptures, but here are some warning signs that may indicate an unruptured or leaking aneurysm:
Often described as the “worst headache of my life,” a sudden and intense headache is one of the most serious warning signs. If it occurs out of nowhere and is more severe than any headache you’ve had before, seek medical help immediately.
Changes in your vision—especially when combined with headache or eye pain—could be a sign of pressure from an aneurysm on nearby nerves.
This may occur if the aneurysm is pressing on nerves around the eye. Some patients report a dull or sharp pain behind one eye.
Aneurysms located near the nerves controlling eye movement can lead to a drooping eyelid or changes in pupil size.
Neurological symptoms like numbness, tingling, or weakness—especially on one side of the body—can signal that an aneurysm is putting pressure on the brain or has started to leak.
While anyone can develop a brain aneurysm, some people may be at higher risk, especially those who:
If any of these apply to you and you're experiencing symptoms, early screening with MRA imaging at DRHC Dubai may offer peace of mind and timely intervention.
Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) is a non-invasive imaging test that uses a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed pictures of blood vessels in the brain. Unlike CT angiography, MRA typically does not require injection of contrast dye (though in some cases, contrast may be used safely).
MRA is especially useful for people who have symptoms or a family history of aneurysms but don’t want to undergo invasive testing unless necessary.