Dr. Gerald Eckardt is a neurological surgeon with BayCare Clinic. He joined us on Wisconsin Tonight discussing Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month.
What is a brain aneurysm?
A brain aneurysm is a bulge in a blood vessel in the brain that can leak or rupture, resulting in bleeding into the brain. There are ruptured and unruptured aneurysms. Ruptured brain aneurysms are life-threatening and need immediate treatment. Most brain aneurysms don’t rupture or cause health issues. An estimated 1 in every 50 people in the U.S. has an unruptured brain aneurysm.
What are signs or symptoms of this condition?
A brain aneurysm that is pressed on the nerves in the brain can cause:
* Double vision
* A droopy eyelid
* Pain in the back of the eye
* A dilated pupil
* Numbness or weakness on one side of the body or face
Who has to worry about this condition?
Brain aneurysms occur mostly in people ages 35 to 60 and develop after age 40. Women experience them more than men. Risk factors believed to contribute to brain aneurysms include:
* Smoking
* High blood pressure or hypertension
* Family history of brain aneurysms
* Drug use, particularly cocaine
* Tumors
What is the procedure to treat this?
Treating a ruptured brain aneurysm means open surgery or an endovascular approach. Either option must be performed quickly. Each seeks to prevent bleeding by sealing off the aneurysm with a clip or a coil. Surgeons consider a number of factors when determining which option is best, including:
* Patient age
* Aneurysm size
* Location of aneurysm
* Shape of aneurysm
* Neurological condition of patient
What can we do to lessen the risk of a brain aneurysm?
Two key choices can help lessen the risk of experiencing a brain aneurysm – quit smoking and reduce high blood pressure. Other tips include:
* Know your family history: If family members have experienced an aneurysm you also may be at risk. Get screened to fully determine your risk.
* Eat healthy: Choose a diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meats. Steer clear of excess fats, cholesterol, sodium and sugar.
* Exercise regularly: Engage in physical activity at least 30 minutes each day. You’ll boost your chances of avoiding an aneurysm and prevent one from rupturing.
* Drink in moderation: Avoid weakening your blood vessel walls and increasing the possibility of developing an aneurysm by consuming too much alcohol.
* Use drugs correctly: Abusing drugs, in any form, can lead to inflammation in blood vessels and encourage the development of aneurysms.
Call 888-376-3876 or visit baycare.net for more information.
