A brain aneurysm is a silent killer. It doesn’t come with any signs or symptoms until it ruptures, which is a life-threatening situation. Also called cerebral aneurysm, this condition affects 1 in every 50 Americans. It is greatly linked to high blood pressure -- the leading cause of stroke, heart disease, and death in the United States.
In the first part of this blog series, we talked about the signs and symptoms of ruptured and unruptured brain aneurysm and their differences in terms of prognosis and survivability. Now, we’re going to delve deeper into the pathology that leads to the development of brain aneurysm, the causes, risk factors, and prevention tips.
Even after surviving a ruptured brain aneurysm, it takes teamwork between the healthcare team and the patient to achieve a full recovery, according to experts in Neulife post acute rehabilitation facility.
The following factors can predispose you to have a brain aneurysm:
Atherosclerotic arteries, smoking, and high blood pressure can all damage the wall of the arteries in the brain. When the structural integrity of the arterial wall is damaged, the body will initiate an inflammatory response to that area. It will flood the damaged area with macrophages and white blood cells.
This reaction will change the function of the cells in the artery from contractile to pro-inflammatory, which leads to a decrease in the number of smooth muscle cells in the area and thinning of the arterial wall.
A thin arterial wall is weak and can dilate or balloon from the pressure exerted by the arterial blood, leading to a brain aneurysm.
Brain aneurysms cannot always be prevented. However, there are certain tips that you can do to lower your risk.
Since brain aneurysms are greatly linked to cigarette smoking and hypertension, a lifestyle change can be of great benefit to patients. Other actionable health tips include:
When a brain aneurysm ruptures, patients usually feel a sudden, severe, blinding headache. Other symptoms to watch out for include:
Patients who manifest these symptoms must be brought to the nearest emergency room, as this is a life-threatening situation.
Patients who survive will have to undergo neuro rehab and post acute rehabilitation. The recovery period may take a few months to years.
NeuLife is a Residential Post-Acute Rehab facility specializing in brain injury rehabilitation. As one of the post acute rehabilitation centers in Florida, its program includes physical medicine and rehabilitation, medical management, psychiatric and neuropsychological services, physical, occupational, speech, and cognitive therapies, behavioral, dietary and vocational counseling, and more.
Beautifully situated on 43 acres in Mount Dora, Florida, its inpatient rehab facility comprises over 60,000 square feet and contains 54 private rooms or suites. If you would like more information about NeuLife Rehabilitation Services, please contact us.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
We know that choosing the next step in your recovery from a catastrophic illness or injury is complex. Together, we can help you take the next step.
Contact us with any questions today.
