Priyanka Tiwari
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Suspense crime, Digital Desk : Years ago, Bollywood superstar Salman Khan bravely opened up about his struggle with trigeminal neuralgia, a debilitating nerve condition he described as causing "suicide-inducing" pain. While his condition was not a brain aneurysm, his public health battle has brought renewed attention to the importance of understanding serious neurological conditions—including one often called a "silent killer."
A brain aneurysm is a bulge or weak spot in the wall of a blood vessel in the brain. It often looks like a small berry hanging on a stem. While many aneurysms never cause problems, if one ruptures, it becomes a life-threatening medical emergency.
Understanding the symptoms, causes, and prevention methods is crucial. Here's what you need to know.
The Warning Signs: What to Look For
Symptoms depend entirely on whether the aneurysm is intact (unruptured) or has burst (ruptured).
Symptoms of a Ruptured Aneurysm (A Medical Emergency):
A ruptured aneurysm causes a subarachnoid hemorrhage, or bleeding into the space around the brain. If you or someone you know experiences these, call for emergency medical help immediately:
- A sudden, extremely severe headache, often described as the "worst headache of your life."
- Nausea and vomiting.
- A stiff neck.
- Blurred or double vision.
- Sensitivity to light.
- A seizure.
- A drooping eyelid.
- Loss of consciousness.
Symptoms of an Unruptured Aneurysm:
Most unruptured aneurysms have no symptoms. However, if a larger one presses on brain tissues or nerves, it may cause:
- Pain above and behind one eye.
- A dilated pupil.
- A change in vision or double vision.
- Numbness on one side of the face.
What are the Causes and Risk Factors?
The exact reason a weak spot forms in a blood vessel is not always known, but certain factors can significantly increase your risk:
- High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): This is the leading risk factor, as it puts constant pressure on artery walls.
- Smoking: Cigarette smoke damages blood vessel walls, making them weaker.
- Family History: Having a first-degree relative (parent, sibling) with an aneurysm increases your own risk.
- Age: The risk increases for people over the age of 40.
- Genetic Conditions: Certain disorders that affect connective tissue, like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, can be a factor.
- Excessive Alcohol Consumption & Drug Use: These can raise blood pressure and contribute to vessel damage.
Can You Prevent a Brain Aneurysm?
While you can't change your genetics or age, you can take powerful steps to manage the lifestyle risks associated with brain aneurysms:
- Control Your Blood Pressure: This is the most important step. Regularly monitor your blood pressure and work with your doctor to manage it through diet, exercise, and medication if needed.
- Quit Smoking: Stopping smoking is one of the best things you can do for your vascular health.
- Limit Alcohol: Moderate your alcohol intake.
- Maintain a Healthy Diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to support overall cardiovascular health.
- Consult Your Doctor: If you have a strong family history of brain aneurysms, speak to your doctor about whether screening is right for you.
By being aware of the risks and symptoms, you can take proactive steps to protect your brain health and recognize the signs of an emergency when every second counts.
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