What Is An Aneurysm And How To Fight It

Assess Your Risk

Brain aneurysms are most common after age 40, and women are affected more often than men. Other risk factors include hypertension, obesity, smoking and certain medications. Family history of aneurysm and congenital blood vessel disorders also raise your risk. You can lower your chances of developing an aneurysm by maintaining a healthy weight, exercising daily, limiting your sodium intake and not smoking.

Know The Signs

Most people don't know they have an aneurysm until it swells or bursts, but there are some subtle warning signs you can watch out for. Severe headaches accompanied by blurry vision, pain behind one eye and nausea or vomiting are often the first sign. Signs of rupture include weakness, confusion and difficulty speaking. If you suspect a ruptured aneurysm, call an ambulance or have someone take you to the emergency room.

When To See A Doctor

If you have a family history of brain aneurysm or stroke, it's important to discuss your risk with your doctor even if you don't have any symptoms yet. Migraine headaches should be evaluated to rule out the possibility of an aneurysm. A qualified neurologist like those at Interventional Neuroassociates can order imaging and other tests to give you an accurate diagnosis and provide the best follow-up care whether you have an aneurysm, migraines or another neurological issue.

How To Manage An Aneurysm

Being diagnosed with an aneurysm isn't the end of the world. The most important parts of your treatment are preventing the aneurysm from rupturing and taking steps to reduce its size. Your doctor may prescribe medications like blood pressure drugs and blood thinners and recommend healthy lifestyle changes. If your aneurysm has already burst, surgery or other procedures may be indicated to prevent further bleeding.

Has your primary care doctor dismissed your aneurysm concerns as benign headaches? Don't be afraid to push for a referral or make a specialist appointment yourself. Remember, you know your body better than anyone else. It's important to trust your instincts if you're worried that something is wrong.

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Written By:
Meghan Belnap is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her family. She loves being in the outdoors and exploring new opportunities whenever they arise. Meghan finds happiness in researching new topics that help to expand her horizons. You can often find her buried in a good book or out looking for an adventure. You can connect with her on Facebook right here and Twitter right here.

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Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com. 

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