Brain Aneursym Stories

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LaLa Speaks Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness about brain aneurysms. Our mission is to advocate for research, educate the public on the warning signs and symptoms, and provide resources for individuals and families affected by brain aneurysms. We focus on outreach, education, and support to help reduce the number of people impacted by this serious health condition,

There are several ways to support LaLa Speaks Foundation, including volunteering your time, making a donation, sharing our posts to raise awareness, or attending one of our events. 

To learn more about how you can make a difference, please visit our website for detailed information on getting involved.

A brain aneurysm is a weakened area in a blood vessel in the brain that can bulge or balloon out. If it ruptures, it can lead to bleeding in the brain, known as a hemorrhagic stroke, which often occurs in the space between the brain and its protective layers, called a subarachnoid hemorrhage. Ruptured aneurysms are life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.

However, most brain aneurysms don’t rupture or cause symptoms. They are often discovered accidentally during tests for other conditions. In some cases, treatment for unruptured aneurysms may be recommended to reduce the risk of rupture in the future.

Several factors can contribute to the weakening of an artery wall, increasing the risk of developing a brain aneurysm. Brain aneurysms are more common in adults than in children and tend to occur more often in women than in men.

Some risk factors include:

• Congenital (present at birth) defects
• High blood pressure
• Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
• Brain injuries
• Certain blood infections
• Smoking
• Drug abuse, particularly cocaine use
• Heavy alcohol consumption
• Lower estrogen levels after menopause

An unruptured brain aneurysm may not cause any symptoms, especially if it is small.

However, if the aneurysm is large, it can press on nearby brain tissues and nerves, potentially leading to:

• Pain above or behind the eye
• A dilated pupil
• Blurred or double vision
• Numbness, weakness, or paralysis on one side of the face
• A drooping eyelid

Sudden, severe headache is the key symptom of a ruptured aneurysm. This headache is often described as the “worst headache” ever experienced.

Common signs and symptoms of a ruptured aneurysm include:

• Sudden, extremely severe headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stiff neck
• Blurred or double vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Seizure
• A drooping eyelid
• Loss of consciousness
• Confusion

A CT scan of the head is often the first step in detecting bleeding in the brain. If the CT scan does not reveal any abnormalities, additional tests such as a lumbar puncture and angiogram may be performed.

A lumbar puncture, also known as a spinal tap, checks for blood in the cerebrospinal fluid  (ser-EE-bro-spi-nal)(CSF) that surrounds the brain and spine. The presence of blood in the CSF could indicate a subarachnoid hemorrhage.

An angiogram is used to pinpoint the exact location of the aneurysm. During this procedure, a catheter (a thin tube) is inserted into a blood vessel, typically in the neck, and a special dye is injected. The dye makes the blood vessels visible on an X-ray, allowing doctors to detect any bleeding or abnormalities.

Immediate medical attention is critical for someone with a ruptured cerebral aneurysm, and surgery may be required. 

One type of surgery is called clip ligation, where a metal clip is placed at the base of the aneurysm to stop the bleeding and reduce the risk of further bleeding, which could lead to additional brain damage.

In some cases, a procedure called endovascular embolization may be recommended. During this procedure, a catheter is inserted through the groin and guided to the aneurysm, where tiny metal coils are packed into the aneurysm to block blood flow. This procedure, performed by a specially trained radiologist, takes place in the radiology department.