An aneurysm is a weakened bulge in the wall of a blood vessel. Aneurysms can form in any blood vessel, but the most dangerous aneurysms are those that form in the aorta or arteries of the brain. A ruptured aneurysm can cause death in half of the cases. Aneurysms are often difficult to detect before they rupture. In addition, aneurysms are difficult to prevent, but there are several things you can do to lower your risk of developing an aneurysm and see if you need to be tested. See step 1 for more information.
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Part 1 of 3: Checking Out
Step 1. Study your family medical history
If at least two members of your family have had an aneurysm, either recently or in the past, it's a good idea to get checked out to see if you have an aneurysm. Doctors usually recommend such examinations every five years.
Most cases of aneurysm are detected after becoming a serious health problem, or when a brain examination is performed for other purposes. Because this problem is difficult to detect, doctors usually don't recommend testing to look for an aneurysm that hasn't ruptured, unless you experience symptoms that match the aneurysm
Step 2. Recognize the symptoms of an aneurysm
If your eyes hurt, especially from the back, and you have blurred vision, and you have facial paralysis, you should immediately consult a doctor and have him examine and scan your body.
Step 3. Know the different types of scans
Your doctor will provide you with a wide range of technical exam options, so it's best to know your options before consulting to avoid expensive tests that you may not want to do. Generally, the scans performed include:
- Computerized tomography (CT). This scan is a special X-ray examination that is usually used to detect the presence of bleeding. The scanner will produce an image of a slice of your brain for examination. In this examination, you may also be injected with a fluid that will make the blood vessels visible in the results
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI scans generally use a combination of radio waves that interact with a magnetic field to produce detailed images of the brain in 2 or 3 dimensions. Fluid may also be injected into your body to sharpen the image.
- Cerebrospinal fluid examination. This test, also known as a "spinal tap," is used if you have bleeding that can't be seen with other scans. Although the name sounds scary, most patients do not feel much pain during this examination.
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Cerebral angiogram.
During this exam, a small probe filled with dye is inserted near the groin into the arteries leading to the brain. This dye is then injected so that it can follow the bloodstream and detect any bleeding. This test is the most invasive option, and is only used if the results of other tests do not provide any clues.
Step 4. Consult a specialist
If your doctor finds anything in the scan results, or you are concerned about the possibility of an aneurysm, you may be referred to a specialist. If your symptoms match those of an aneurysm, talk to your neurosurgeon or neurologist for more information. You may need to be tested again, and the information you will get will be more complete from the aneurysm specialist.
Part 2 of 3: Taking Care of Your Health
Step 1. Quit smoking
Besides being able to increase the risk of developing emphysema and lung cancer, smoking also increases your chances of suffering from an aneurysm. You may need your doctor's help to find the right program to quit smoking.
Also, avoid other people's cigarette smoke. If you are at risk of suffering from an aneurysm, avoid an enclosed space contaminated with cigarette smoke
Step 2. Reduce your intake of alcoholic beverages
Drinking too much alcohol can also weaken the walls of your blood vessels, increasing your chances of developing an aneurysm. If you have other problems with drinking too much alcohol, you may need to quit altogether.
Step 3. Use medicines properly
Drug abuse, both prescription drugs and other drugs, can lead to inflammation of the blood vessels and the formation of aneurysms. Cocaine and amphetamine addicts are particularly susceptible to brain aneurysms.
Step 4. Eat a healthy diet
Choose a diet that contains fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat meats, and protein sources other than meat. Stay away from foods high in fat, cholesterol, sodium, and sugar. Eat smaller portions and control your portions. Consider eating several small meals throughout the day, rather than eating two or three large meals.
Step 5. Exercise regularly
Get in the habit of practicing cardio and light stretching to maintain a healthy weight and body shape. Exercise for at least 30 minutes every day can help you avoid an aneurysm or prevent an aneurysm that has formed from bursting. Your doctor may suggest suitable exercises if you want to start. You don't have to exercise too hard. If you want to exercise, you can start by:
- Light stretch in the morning before breakfast. Calisthenic movement for 15-20 minutes every morning is enough to prepare the body for other activities.
- Practice sit-ups and pushups. You don't have to try lifting weights or running marathons right away. Just do 20 sit-ups and 10 pushups to start and work your way up.
- Look for exercise videos online or in your local library to guide you, or talk to your doctor for other exercise options.
Step 6. Pay attention to your overall health
The key to preventing an aneurysm from bursting is maintaining your weight, cholesterol levels, blood sugar, and blood pressure. Regular checkups with the doctor and taking care of your health are the best ways to prevent aneurysms from forming.
Part 3 of 3: Managing Stress
Step 1. Learn how to identify the stressors in your life
Taking steps to manage stress can help you prevent an aneurysm from forming, or literally, "rupture of your blood vessel." If you want to reduce stress in your life, start by learning to identify causes of stress that you can manage. You may be stressed as a result of:
- Problems in personal relationships
- Work
- Family problem
- Financial Problem
- Other trauma
Step 2. Apply for leave
You need to rest, especially if your health is starting to be affected. Apply for a temporary leave from work to deal with some of the stress that is affecting your life. Forget about your work for a while, and get back to work refreshed and full of energy. Take a vacation. Visit your family. Do whatever relaxes you.
If you're constantly stressed and anxious about work, consider finding a new job, changing departments, or looking for a different career alternative
Step 3. Take up a hobby that relaxes you and makes you healthy
You don't have to start making bottles of boats to feel calmer. Look for things that make you feel good and can take your mind off stress at the same time. Interested in playing paintball? Go and try. Do something fun, and it can train your mind and body. Try:
- Play poker or chess
- Outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling or swimming
- Read more
- Learn to play an instrument or replay an instrument you used to love
- Take a specific course or class
Step 4. Consider meditating
Research shows that ancient human populations around the world had one thing in common: they all indulged in the relaxing activity of not talking for a few moments each day. Many ordinary people enjoy relaxation in meditation, and you don't have to be a master of yoga to experience the benefits.
Just sitting quietly indoors or outdoors for 20 or 30 minutes every day can drastically reduce your stress levels. Start by watching the sunrise or sunset each day as a way to cool off
Tips
Some doctors advise patients who are at risk of developing an aneurysm or rupture of an aneurysm to take low-dose aspirin to prevent blockage of blood vessels that can weaken their walls. Consult your doctor to see if this treatment is right for you
Warning
- Large brain aneurysms that have not ruptured may cause pain behind one eye, pupil dilation or drooping of the eyelids, blurred or double vision, and numbness or paralysis on one side of the face.
- In some cases, the rupture of the aneurysm is preceded by bleeding, which causes a sudden, severe headache. Seek emergency help immediately if you or someone else has a severe headache, seizure, or loss of consciousness.
- The most common symptom of a ruptured brain aneurysm is a sudden, severe headache. Other symptoms include seizures, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, visual disturbances, confusion or loss of consciousness.
