HomeAnswersNeurosurgeryaneurysmIs headache a symptom of venous aneurysm?

Can venous aneurysm cause headache?

Share

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At June 23, 2016
Reviewed AtAugust 31, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I have a 8 x 12 mm sac type aneurysm on the vein of Galen. I am 50 years old and otherwise in a good health. I have had bad headaches and nausea for about seven months. It led MRV (Magnetic Resonance Venography) and that found the aneurysm. I know the risks of an arterial aneurysm rupturing, but do venous ones rupture? Is it very unusual for them to do that? My family tends to have a long lifespan. Could I have another 30 or 40 years of life with this? My BP (Blood Pressure) is normal. My current medications include Meloxicam, Claritin, Nexium and Zofran.

Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com.

This is a very rare anomaly. Dilatation of entire vein is more common. Theoretically, there is a risk of rupture. But, in practice the most common complications are hydrocephalus and cardiac problems. You have not indicated whether the scan revealed hydrocephalus or not. If there is hydrocephalus, then a CSF - cerebrospinal fluid diversionary procedure may be needed. Else this condition does not require any treatment.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

I have been having bouts of nausea that are really overwhelming on and off for the last seven months. Could this be caused by the aneurysm growing? I often have a headache at the same time. Please explain.

Hi, Welcome back to icliniq.com.

As I have told you, vein of Galen aneurysm can cause headache by hydrocephalus. Any condition which causes increased pressure inside the skull called raised intracranial pressure will manifest with headache and projectile vomiting. By projectile vomiting, we mean that sort of vomiting, which occurs suddenly without any nausea. If you have nausea, it mostly signifies some gastric problem. In your case, the various drugs you are taking can themselves cause nausea. So, I would suggest that you need not worry too much about the aneurysm as long as you do not have hydrocephalus. Please confirm this would have been mentioned in your MRI report. If not, then please share the images with me and I will confirm whether there is hydrocephalus or not.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. J. Mariano Anto Bruno Mascarenhas
Dr. J. Mariano Anto Bruno Mascarenhas

Neurosurgery

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Neurosurgery

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy