Symptom 2: Stiff Neck – A Warning Sign Not to Ignore
Ever woken up with a “crick” in your neck after sleeping in an odd position? A stiff neck associated with a cerebral aneurysm is a different beast altogether. It’s sudden, it’s intense, and it’s not something that can be alleviated by simply changing your posture or applying a heat pack.
When you think of neck stiffness, you might imagine difficulty in moving your neck from side to side or up and down. In the case of an aneurysm, the stiffness might be so severe that it becomes practically impossible to touch your chin to your chest. This restriction in movement is a telltale sign that’s impossible to overlook.
What’s the connection between a stiff neck and a cerebral aneurysm, you ask? Well, when a brain aneurysm ruptures, it releases blood into the space between the brain and the surrounding tissue, an area called the subarachnoid space. This space extends down to the spinal cord, and the spilled blood can cause significant irritation in the area, leading to a stiff neck.
Moreover, this stiffness isn’t something that gradually builds over time. It’s a quick transition, from feeling perfectly fine to an abrupt neck stiffness. It’s this suddenness that often leaves individuals feeling bewildered, and rightfully so. It’s not everyday your body throws such curveballs.
Finally, the crucial thing to note here is the severity. A stiff neck due to a cerebral aneurysm is incredibly uncomfortable and impacts your ability to carry out everyday activities. It’s a distinctive sign that something’s awry, a crucial piece of the cerebral aneurysm symptom puzzle. (2)
