Small aneurysms usually don’t have symptoms and may not cause problems. But as they enlarge you may experience headaches or pain, difficulty with vision, speech, thinking skills, or seizures. You may also experience numbness, weakness in one or more limbs, or have difficulty walking.

Your doctor will take your blood pressure, because having high blood pressure is a leading cause of stroke. You’ll also be asked about any medication you may be taking, such as blood thinners, diet pills or other substances that may increase your risk for stroke. A complete health history will help determine your diagnosis and treatment plan.

An aneurysm is diagnosed through diagnostic imaging such as MRI or CT scan. You may also receive an angiogram, in which a small catheter is inserted through a blood vessel in the groin and guided to the site of the aneurysm. Your doctor is able to take pictures of blood vessels in the brain to diagnose any problems.

The best treatment options depend on the size and location of the aneurysm. Your doctor will talk with you about the recommended treatment options.