Would you be able to recognize the symptoms if your loved one was suffering a brain aneurysm? Do you know what to do if your husband or wife is experiencing the worse headache ever?
Today I'm sharing with the signs and symptoms that could help save your life or the life of someone you love.
You can read more about my family's experience in the post titled, "A Wedding and a Funeral."
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On 5/16/15, we lost my sister-in-law, Beth, to a brain aneurysm. Every year on this date I share this post again with all my readers as a way to honor Beth's life so you can be informed of the symptoms.
Important Notice
While this blog post shares my family's personal experience, it is crucial to emphasize that the information provided here should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice.
If you or someone you know exhibits any symptoms suggestive of a brain aneurysm, it is imperative to seek immediate medical attention from a qualified healthcare provider.
Please check out the Brain Aneurysm Foundation for more information or call 9-1-1.
Quick Update
This post was originally published after my sister-in-law's death in 2015, however, I'm updating this post today to let you know that two friends of mine have recently survived brain aneurysms because they knew the signs and symptoms and were able to get help immediately.
Early Symptoms of Brain Aneurysm
While many brain aneurysms remain silent, warning signs can include sudden severe headaches, vision changes, numbness, or speech difficulties.
If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention, as early diagnosis and treatment can be life-saving.
Signs and Symptoms of Aneurysms
Brain Aneurysm Symptoms - do you know what they are? I'm taking a break from the posts you usually see here on the blog to share something important and very personal with you.
I don't want to go into too much detail with everything my family has been through over these past few years, but you need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of a brain aneurysm in case someone you love starts complaining of a headache. And not just a typical headache, but the worst headache of their life.
What is an Aneurysm?
- A brain aneurysm is a bulging, weak area in the wall of an artery that supplies blood to the brain.
- In most cases, a brain aneurysm causes no symptoms and goes unnoticed.
- In rare cases, the brain aneurysm ruptures, releasing blood into the skull and causing a stroke.
- Aneurysms are found in 2-5% of the population and are more likely to occur in adults age 40-60.
- People can live with an aneurysm for years without even knowing they have one.
Neck Aneurysm Symptoms
- According to Cleveland Clinic, a neck aneurysm is "An extracranial carotid artery aneurysm is located in the portion of the carotid artery that is in your neck."
- Neck Aneurysm Symptoms include difficulty in swallowing, a mass in the neck that is painful, or an earache that is extending to the neck.
Aneurysm Facts
- In other cases, an unruptured aneurysm will cause problems by pressing on areas in the brain.
- When this happens, the person may suffer from severe headaches, blurred vision, changes in speech, and neck pain, depending on what areas of the brain are affected and how bad the aneurysm is.
Can you fully recover from a brain aneurysm?
As mentioned earlier, two friends have recently experienced and recovered from brain aneurysms.
Full recovery from a brain aneurysm is possible, particularly if it's unruptured or treated quickly.
However, the severity of a rupture, individual health, and rehabilitation efforts greatly influence recovery time and outcomes, with potential long-term effects.
Working closely with your medical team is essential to navigate the healing process.
Beth's Story
Two weeks before our daughter's wedding, Beth suffered her aneurysm. She went through a few surgeries and there was a time when things started to look hopeful.
However, Beth had her final stroke the morning of the wedding and there was nothing else they could do.
I hope you'll help me spread the word and share this post with your family and friends. It's easy to share by pinning the post simply by clicking on the photo below.
You can also share this blog post also on Facebook, X or Flipboard.
The more people spread awareness of the risks and symptoms, the more people will know that maybe their "headache" isn't just a headache.
Mimi W says
Thank you for sharing and sorry for your family's lost...hope your daughter's wedding went well...The info you shared will be given to my daughter...who is experiencing headaches...Your sister, Beth, would be proud of your help in spreading info on Aneurysm Symptoms. Thanks and Prayers!
Lois says
Thank you Mimi. I hope your daughter will be okay. It's always good to be safe and informed!
Jacquelyn Stager says
My heart goes out to your family with all you have gone through. I remember when it happened with Beth and it was so unbelievable. I also hope your doughtier is doing ok, and you as well Lois. Our health is a fragile thing and we often don’t realize it. Thank you for sharing again - it is a reminder too, to live each day fully and be our best self. ((Hugs))
Pam Groseclose says
I'm sorry .I know you have heard this slot .I'm kinda going threw something similar I just lost my son 17 years old of strep throat b .your saying what is that well it's strep throat everyone gets but this strain is only found if blood work is drawing for it and doctor's don't test unless patient ask for it to be done and the infection goes untreated and then after time it goes in blood stream causes blood poison witch dents body into septic shock and starts shutting organs down by then it's to late . It's scary not knowing these things are out there . But threw our voices we can save one person in the memory of our love ones so God bless you and you are the voice so voice it from the roof tops !!!
Lois says
I'm so sorry for your loss! I hope more people become aware of what happened to your son! God bless you!
Donna says
Thank you so much for sharing this valuable news! I am so sorry for your loss, that is such a terrible loss. I will share with all my friends and family and tell them to share with others.
Bless you and your family always!
Lois says
Thank you for sharing Donna!
Loyda Hernandez says
Thankyou for the information,good to know.
Lois says
Thank you Loyda. Hope you and your family are doing well.
Linda says
thank you for sharing this info with all of us. I too have had a loss due to this. My husband and I were celebrating our 43rd wedding anniversary in September 2020. His hit suddenly and his brain filled by the time he got to the hospital. It was sudden and unexpected. He only grabbed his head and said " it hurts, it hurts." That was all. No symptoms at all. If you have symptoms or aren't sure please get checked. And love your loved ones while you have them.
Lois says
I'm so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you that you had to go through this as well.
DUAH Blessing says
Am having this fell bad headache and some times fell like blood is in my skull it move left and right so I started this research am young and afraid I might get stroke is this a sign of this brain damage am confused I need an advice
Lois says
You need to call your doctor.
Shawna says
Thank you for sharing. My dad has a brain aneurysm rupture 6/6/19. He was actually in the hospital being treated for meningitis (wrong diagnosis). He survived but only to be bed ridden and unable to move or communicate. He passed on 1/12/20. I wish he would have been educated on aneurysms. He had the headaches, stiff neck, high blood pressure signs. I will now do all I can to spread the awareness in memory of my dad. Love and miss you Gary H❤️
Lois says
I sent you a personal email Shawna. I hope you were able to receive it. If not, please check your spam folder. I'm so very sorry for your loss!!!
Amy Ellis says
Thank you for sharing this info Lois. My son's aunt had a brain aneurysm about 6 years ago. We were fortunate that she survived. The symptoms you describe are EXACTLY the ones she described having. She also said that she had the nausea for a a few weeks before the actual attack. I'm so sorry that you all lost Beth. I'm sure she'd be proud of you and grateful that you are sharing this info to help others in her memory.
Mari Aragon says
Hello Ma'am, I'm sorry for what happened to your sister-in-law. But can I ask if she'd also experience having a hair loss?
Lois says
No, she did not. Thank you for comment and visiting.