Neurosurgeon reveals what to avoid to prevent an aneurysm

In addition to the genetic factor, the neurosurgeon warns about the risk factors to avoid to avoid an aneurysm

An aneurysm is the abnormal dilation of an artery. It can rupture and cause bleeding or remain intact for life. In any case, the condition requires surveillance and treatment.

According to the Ministry of Health, aneurysms can occur in any artery in the body, such as those in the brain, heart, kidneys or abdomen. However, those of the cerebral and thoracic and abdominal aorta types are the best known, since they have high mortality rates.

Does an aneurysm cause symptoms?

Neurosurgeon Dr. Victor Hugo Espíndola explains that not all aneurysms cause symptoms. In fact, in the case of small clots, the vast majority are asymptomatic. However, when an aneurysm ruptures, the patient presents with several signs.

In the case of a brain aneurysm, for example, it is common for the patient to report an intense headache, described as the worst he has ever felt in his life. He may still experience stiffness, seizures and coma.

A ruptured aneurysm is quite serious and requires immediate treatment. This is because, according to the doctor, the patient can die before even arriving at the hospital, depending on the amount of blood that leaks from the artery.

What habits should you abandon to avoid an aneurysm?

The two main risk factors are hypertension and smoking. Therefore, to avoid the appearance of clots in the arteries, it is necessary to avoid these habits. Victor Hugo also reminds us that there are genetic factors that can contribute to the onset of the pathology.

«Anyone who has first-degree relatives with an already ruptured brain aneurysm is advised to undergo a screening test. We also see many cases of aneurysm within the same family. So there is yes a genetic factor, but the two main risk factors are hypertension and smoking”, he underlines.

Prevent an aneurysm

According to the neurosurgeon, aneurysm prevention occurs as with any cardiovascular disease: by adopting good lifestyle habits. In other words: control blood pressure, quit smoking, control diabetes and obesity, says the doctor.

“By leading a healthy lifestyle we can prevent both the onset of this aneurysm, and also those that have already appeared and are small, which only need monitoring. This is because a healthy lifestyle prevents them from growing and rupturing in the future”, underlines the expert.

The professional also reminds that there are currently very simple screening tests that do not involve risks for the patient, such as magnetic resonance imaging. Through the examination it is possible to find out whether the patient has an aneurysm or not. That is, before your breakup.

Victor points out that treating an aneurysm that hasn’t bled yet is much easier. “The recovery is much calmer than treating an already bleeding aneurysm, in which the patient will suffer all the consequences of the hemorrhage,” says the neurosurgeon.

Minimally invasive treatment

In the case of aneurysms that require treatment, i.e. where medical monitoring is not sufficient, the patient can resort to catheterization, which is available in most cases. According to the neurosurgeon, the treatment is minimally invasive, without the need, for example, to make openings in the skull. “The treatment has evolved a lot and has become much safer,” concludes the doctor.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.