Brain Aneurysm Symptoms

Would you be able to recognize the symptoms if your loved one was suffering a brain aneurysm? This post was originally published two years after my sister-in-law’s death, 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. 

 

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.

Four years ago today we lost my sister-in-law, Beth, to a brain aneurysm.  I thought what better way to honor Beth’s life than to share these symptoms with you so you can be informed.

I don’t want to go into too much detail with everything my family has been through over these past four 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 a Brain 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.

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.

You can read more about this in a post I did two years ago titled, A Wedding and a Funeral.  

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.