Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Get yourself checked
• Part 2 of 3: Staying healthy
• Part 3 of 3: Controlling stress
• Tips
• Warnings

An aneurysm is a widening in part of the vasculature caused by a weakening in the vessel wall. An aneurysm can form in any vein, but the most dangerous type is in the aorta or the arteries in the brain. A tear in the blood vessel leads to death in half of the cases. An aneurysm is often difficult to detect until it ruptures. They are also difficult to prevent, but there are some steps you can take to counteract an aneurysm. In addition, there are things you can do - as soon as you know you have an aneurysm - to prevent it from rupturing. See Step 1 for more information.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Get yourself checked

1. Know your family history. If at least two family members have had an aneurysms, you should get checked to see if you are at risk of developing it. Doctors recommend getting a check-up every five years.
   • Most aneurysms are not discovered until they are a medical emergency. Since they are very difficult to detect, most doctors would prefer not to start with them unless there are symptoms that could indicate you have an aneurysm.
2. Recognize the symptoms of an aneurysm. If you have pain in your eye, especially pain that seems to come from the back, as well as blurred vision and / or paralysis of the face, you should see a doctor immediately and ask for an examination and scan.
3. Know the different types of scans. Your doctor can give you a lot of technical options, so it can be useful to get some information in advance. In general, the following types of scans are performed:
   • Computer tomography (CT). This is a special X-ray to detect bleeding. The scanner shows a cross-section of the brain and sometimes a liquid is injected so that the blood is more visible.
   • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An MRI uses a combination of radio waves that respond to a magnetic field, allowing you to see a detailed 2D or 3D version of your brain. Sometimes a liquid is injected to make the picture clearer.
   • Cerebrospinal fluid test. This is used in cases where bleeding has been felt that cannot be seen on another scan. Most patients do not experience much pain or discomfort with this test.
   • Cerebral angiography. In this exam, a thin probe is inserted into the groin and pushed through the artery to the brain to inject a colored fluid that is used to monitor blood flow and detect bleeding. It is the most invasive of all studies and is only used when the other tests are unsuccessful.
4. Talk to a specialist. If your doctor finds something on a scan or if you are concerned about the possibility of an aneurysm, you will likely be referred to a specialist. If you are in the high-risk group or experience symptoms of an aneurysm, you can talk to a neurosurgeon or neurologist to get more information. Follow-up examinations will also be carried out by a specialist.

Part 2 of 3: Staying healthy

1. Stop smoking. In addition to lowering the risk of emphysema and lung cancer, you also run less risk of an aneurysm if you stop smoking. If you need help quitting smoking, see your doctor.
   • Also try to smoke as little as possible. If you fit into the risk group, you should avoid smoking areas.
2. Moderate your alcohol consumption. Drinking too much can weaken the walls of your blood vessels, increasing the possibility of an aneurysm. If you find it difficult to drink in moderation, you should stop completely.
3. Use medications as prescribed. Misuse of drugs or drugs can lead to inflammation of the blood vessels, which can cause aneurysms to form. Regular users of cocaine or amphetamine are particularly at risk of forming aneurysms in the brain.
4. Eat healthy. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and vegetarian protein sources. Don't eat too much fat, cholesterol, salt and sugar. Eat smaller portions. Consider eating small meals more often instead of two or three large ones.
5. Exercise regularly. Keep your heart healthy and do some light strength training to maintain a healthy weight. Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day so that you can prevent an aneurysm, or so that an existing aneurysm doesn't rupture. Your doctor can recommend suitable exercises. You don't have to run a marathon right away. Try starting with:
   • Light stretching before breakfast. Doing some light gymnastic exercises for 15 to 20 minutes every morning will warm you up for other activities during the day.
   • Short sets of sit-ups and push-ups. Start with 20 sit-ups and 10 push-ups and slowly progress to more.
   • Following training videos online.
6. Monitor your overall health. Important factors to keep in mind to avoid an aneurysm or to prevent one from rupturing are your weight, cholesterol level, blood sugar, and blood pressure. Go to the doctor regularly for a check-up.

Part 3 of 3: Controlling stress

1. Find out what's causing you stress. Taking steps to control your stress can help prevent an aneurysm from developing. If you want less stress in your life, you first need to know what causes the stress and how to prevent it. Maybe you are tense because of:
   • Relationship problems
   • Work
   • Family issues
   • Financial problems
   • A traumatic event
2. Take some time off. You deserve some rest, especially if you are concerned about your health. Discuss the option of taking a short break from work. Forget about your worries for a while so that you can get back to work rested and refreshed. Go on a trip, visit family or do something else you enjoy.
   • If your job is a constant source of stress and irritation, you may want to consider getting another job.
3. Take up a relaxing and healthy hobby. You don't necessarily have to start collecting stamps to calm down. Find something that you really enjoy and that provides a distraction from the stress in your life. Would you like to play paintball? Just do it! Or try one of the following ideas:
   • Games such as poker or chess.
   • Outdoor sports such as walking, cycling or swimming.
   • Read
   • Playing an instrument
   • Dance class
4. Consider meditation. Research has shown that cultures where people live the oldest have one thing in common: they all engage in quiet, peaceful, non-talking activities. Many people enjoy the relaxation that meditation provides; you really don't have to be fuzzy for that.
   • Simply sitting very still for 20 to 30 minutes every day can drastically reduce stress. Take a quiet look at the sunrise or sunset every day as a way of relaxation.

Tips

• Some doctors recommend patients at risk of aneurysms or rupture thereof to take a low dose of aspirin every day to avoid clogging of the veins. Ask your doctor if this is a good treatment for you.

Warnings

• Large, unexplained aneurysms in the brain can cause pain behind the eyes, a dilated pupil, one-sided facial paralysis, or blurred vision.
• The most common symptom of a ruptured brain aneurysm is a sudden, severe headache. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, hypersensitivity to light, problems with vision or fainting.
• In some cases, the tearing is preceded by a leak of blood, causing a sudden, very severe headache. Go to the emergency room immediately or call 911 if someone suddenly develops a very bad headache or a fit, or loses consciousness.