An aneurysm is a bulge in the wall of a blood vessel caused by the weakening of the vessel wall. Aneurysms can occur in any blood vessel, but the most dangerous aneurysms are those that form in the aorta or the arteries in the brain. Ruptures in the vessels can lead to death up to half the time they occur. Aneurysms are often difficult to detect until they rupture, and equally difficult to prevent, but there are steps you can take to help you avoid an aneurysm or prevent one from rupturing if it is detected. See Step 1 for more information
If at least two other members of your family have had aneurysms, either recently or in the past, you should be screened for the possibility of developing an aneurysm yourself. Doctors normally recommend such screenings every five years.
Most aneurysms are detected after the fact, when they've already become medical emergencies, or when brain imaging is performed for other purposes. Because it's a difficult thing to screen for, most doctors will recommend against testing and looking for unruptured aneurysms, unless you've experienced any of the symptoms or fit the profile of an aneurysm
If you experience eye pain, specifically pain coming from behind the eye, as well as blurry vision and paralysis of the face, you need to talk to your doctor immediately and request that a screen and scan be performed
If your doctor notices something in a scan, or if you're concerned about the possibility of an aneurysm, you'll probably be referred to a specialist. If you fit the risk profile or have experienced any of the symptoms of an aneurysm, talk about your tests with a neurosurgeon or neurologist to get more information. Further tests and screens may be required, and you'll be able to get more specific information from an expert in the field
If at least two other members of your family have had aneurysms, either recently or in the past, you should be screened for the possibility of developing an aneurysm yourself. Doctors normally recommend such screenings every five years.
Most aneurysms are detected after the fact, when they've already become medical emergencies, or when brain imaging is performed for other purposes. Because it's a difficult thing to screen for, most doctors will recommend against testing and looking for unruptured aneurysms, unless you've experienced any of the symptoms or fit the profile of an aneurysm
If you experience eye pain, specifically pain coming from behind the eye, as well as blurry vision and paralysis of the face, you need to talk to your doctor immediately and request that a screen and scan be performed
If your doctor notices something in a scan, or if you're concerned about the possibility of an aneurysm, you'll probably be referred to a specialist. If you fit the risk profile or have experienced any of the symptoms of an aneurysm, talk about your tests with a neurosurgeon or neurologist to get more information. Further tests and screens may be required, and you'll be able to get more specific information from an expert in the field