Strenuous Activity and Intracranial Aneurysm Rupture: Mechanisms, Epidemiology, and Clinical Implications

Abstract

Objectives

To systematically review the evidence linking strenuous physical activity with intracranial aneurysm rupture and examine the underlying physiological mechanisms, epidemiological data, and clinical management implications.

Design

Comprehensive review of published literature examining physical exertion as a trigger for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).

Setting

Analysis of physiological studies, epidemiological investigations, and clinical observations from multiple international databases and research centers.

Participants

This review encompassed multiple case–control and case-crossover studies with collective data from thousands of patients with aneurysmal SAH across different populations.

Main Outcome Measures

Synthesized evidence on: (1) physiological effects of strenuous activity on cerebral hemodynamics and aneurysm wall stress; (2) epidemiological data quantifying rupture risk during physical exertion; (3) clinical recommendations for activity counseling.

Results

Strenuous activity triggers multiple physiological changes that theoretically increase aneurysm rupture risk, including acute blood pressure elevations, hyperventilation-induced cerebral vasoconstriction, and Valsalva-related intracranial pressure spikes. Epidemiological studies report 2.4- to 11.6-fold increased rupture risk during vigorous exertion. Activities involving Valsalva maneuvers (weightlifting, sexual activity) carry particular risk. However, absolute risk remains low, with only 2 to 7% of ruptures occurring during strenuous activities. Regular moderate exercise may confer protective benefits.

Conclusion

Current evidence supports an association between strenuous physical activity and aneurysm rupture, though absolute risk is low. Individualized activity recommendations should balance rupture risk against cardiovascular benefits of exercise. Further research is needed to develop evidence-based guidelines and refine risk stratification models for patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms.

Keywords

subarachnoid hemorrhage - physical exertion - risk factors - intracranial aneurysm - trigger factors - stroke prevention

Publication History

Received: 01 July 2025

Accepted: 22 September 2025

Article published online:
06 October 2025

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