What You Should Know: Detect And Prevent Aneurysms

The exact cause of aneurysms is not yet known. Some people suffer from them during childbirth, while others do not encounter the problem until late in life. The most common areas where an aneurysm can occur are in the largest artery that originates from the heart (aorta), an artery behind the knee (poplitaea artery), in the brain, intestine (mesenteric artery) and spleen (spleenic artery). The latter is most prevalent among pregnant women.

Aneurysms: What You Should Know

The symptoms of aneurysms depend on where they are located. If the aneurysm is located close to the surface of the body, it will cause pain, pressure and a visible bulge. When aneurysms develop in the internal areas, such as the brain, they often do not cause any noticeable symptoms.

A cerebral aneurysm can expand without rupturing, putting pressure on the surrounding nerves, which can cause symptoms such as:

• Headache
• Double vision
• Dizziness
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Loss of balance
• Stiff neck
• Inability to communicate or understand general speech
• Light sensitivity
• Vomiting
• Cramps
• Unconsciousness

If the aneurysm ruptures, it can cause low blood pressure, pain, dizziness and palpitations. The risk of death is far higher if this happens.

Approx. 5% of the population develops a cerebral aneurysm at some point, and the risk is higher in those with similar family history problems or with existing circulatory problems.

How to detect an aneurysm

A cerebral aneurysm is the most dangerous. However, if the fracture is detected in time, it is possible to avoid death. The condition is in many cases due to unhealthy habits and other diseases.

Immediate action is essential for survival. The estimated required reaction time is half an hour. Thus, you need to act quickly, because only 40% of aneurysms are detected in time, while the rest of the cases result in death.

Since most people with this disorder do not show visible symptoms, and since abnormalities like this are often only detected during routine medical examinations, it can be difficult to know how to deal with a possible seizure. Before the artery ruptures, an aneurysm causes something known as a sentimental headache – a severe, chronic headache that does not go away after treatment with medication.

Therefore, if the pain in your head persists, you should see your doctor. It is a serious condition and there is cause for concern.  The aneurysm may rupture, causing a hemorrhage between the brain and the thin outer tissue that protects the central nervous system. You can recognize the accompanying headache by the fact that it is very sharp and can prevent you from opening your eyes. Incidentally, it is also associated with nausea, dizziness, vomiting, loss of feeling on one side of the body, double vision, weakness and loss of consciousness.

Since less than half of aneurysm patients survive, and as a large percentage of those who do end up with neurological problems, you should seek medical attention immediately when the headache becomes unbearable, unless it is caused by an external injury  such as a blow, fall, or an accident.

How to prevent an aneurysm

Prevention is the best way to avoid an aneurysm. How to prevent:

See your doctor

An annual health examination, including with the tests relevant to your age and state of health, is important when it comes to detecting signs of any abnormalities. Your doctor should also be familiar with the history of your family. If someone close to you has suffered from an aneurysm, remember to tell your doctor.

A number of tests can be performed to rule out various problems. Some of the tests available today include computed tomography (CT scan), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as well as cerebrospinal fluid analysis and angiography.

Lead a healthier lifestyle

Some of the best things you can do to limit your risk of suffering from an aneurysm are:

• Quit smoking
• Do not abuse drugs or alcohol
• Follow a healthy, balanced diet
• Exercise two or three times a week
• Avoid becoming overweight
• Keep your cholesterol levels in check and keep an eye on your blood pressure.

Control your stress levels

If you reduce the amount of anxiety and stress in your life, you will significantly reduce your risk of developing an aneurysm. Do your best to be calm, and avoid things that make you feel uncomfortable. By the way, try to solve any problems before they become too serious. It is also a good idea to take a vacation once in a while and to rest more.

Do not forget to sleep at least 6-8 hours every night; it is super good for your health. Make a list of things you enjoy and make sure to find a place for them in your everyday life. Here are some suggestions:

• Read
• Take a walk in the park
• Play with your children
• Take care of the plants in your garden
• Play chess
• Take a yoga or pilates class
• Swim
• Learn to play an instrument

Meditation can also help you reduce stress and thus help you avoid an aneurysm.