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."
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.
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.
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. It is very possible to survive a brain aneurysm if you seek immediate help.
As I stated above in the opening paragraph, two friends have recently survived brain aneurysms!
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.
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. But then 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. You can pin the post or you share it on Facebook or Twitter.
The more people spread awareness of the risks and symptoms, the more people will know that maybe their "headache" isn't just a headache.
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.