Complications that occur after a ruptured aneurysm include: 1. Re-bleeding: An aneurysm that has ruptured or leaked is at risk of rebleeding. Re-bleeding can lead to further damage to brain cells. 2. Vasospasm: After a brain aneurysm ruptures, the blood vessels in the brain may constrict erratically (vasospasm). This condition can restrict blood flow to brain cells (ischemic stroke) and cause additional cellular damage and death. 3. Hydrocephalus: When a ruptured aneurysm causes blood to flow into the gap between the brain and its encapsulated tissue (subarachnoid hemorrhage) – which is the most common condition – the blood can block the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid. This disease can lead to excess cerebrospinal fluid that increases the pressure on brain tissue and causes brain tissue damage (hydrocephalus). 4. Hyponatremia: Subarachnoid hemorrhage caused by a ruptured brain aneurysm can disrupt the sodium balance in the blood. This can be caused by damage to the hypothalamus, an area near the base of the brain. Decreased sodium levels in the blood (hyponatremia) can lead to edema of brain cells as well as permanent damage. Prepare for medical attention: Brain aneurysms are usually detected after a rupture has occurred and are an emergency. However, brain aneurysms can be detected when you have brain imaging for other conditions. If the test results suggest that you have a brain aneurysm, you will need to discuss the results with a specialist in brain and neurological disorders (neurologist or neurosurgeon). To make the most of your visit, you can prepare a list of questions, such as: 1) the size and location of the brain aneurysm; 2) whether the imaging results indicate how it ruptured; 3) how you recommend treating it at this time; 4) if I choose to remain under observation, how often I will need follow-up exams; and 5) what steps I need to take to reduce the risk of a ruptured aneurysm. Your neurologist or neurosurgeon may ask you the following questions to help determine the best course of treatment: 1) Do you smoke; 2) How much alcohol do you drink; 3) Do you use drugs; 4) Have you been treated for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or other conditions that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease; 5) Are you taking your medications as prescribed; 6) Do you have a family history of brain aneurysms.