What is brain aneurysm? Symptoms, risk factors, prevention

In 2022, cerebrovascular diseases, like brain aneurysm, was the third leading cause of death in the Philippines, a report by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said. 

According to the Penn Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania, brain aneurysm is triggered by a weak spot in a blood vessel, often in the brain, where the vessel wall bulges under pressure.

If this bulge ruptures, it can lead to a hemorrhagic stroke, potentially causing severe brain damage or death. Aneurysms commonly occur in arteries, which carry blood to tissues throughout the body.

Citing a study by Brain Aneurysm Foundation, a Pinoy MD episode said brain aneurysm is common to ages 35-60 years old, and most likely to occur among females.

In the Philippines, most cases of aneurysm have gone unreported and undocumented, Department of Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in a media forum back in 2022. 

“Mostly, it would be reported as cerebrovascular incidents and nakikita natin ‘yan sa top leading causes of death dito sa ating bansa (we see that among the top leading causes of death here in our country),” she said.

“So, lumalabas na-stroke ‘yung pasiyente pero 'di na-do-document na aneurysm pala ‘yung nangyari and not really stroke (So, it is documented as stroke and not as aneurysm when it’s not really stroke).” 

Last week, visual artist, creative director, podcaster, CJ De Silva suffered from a brain aneurysm. She had a coiling surgery after but her husband Wincy Ong said it "was not successful so another procedure will be implemented."

On Tuesday, she suffered two strokes in the ICU before passing.

According to Mayo Clinic, brain aneurysms are common, and most cases are not serious especially if they're small. In fact, most brain aneurysms don't rupture. 

But in the event that it does rupture, it becomes a critical emergency that needs immediate medical attention as it may lead to death. 

Types of aneurysm 

There are several types of aneurysms. Apart from brain, also called cerebral aneurysm, there is also the Abdominal Aeortic aneurysm, which "occurs in the abdominal aorta. This is the part of the aorta between the bottom of the chest and the pelvis," Harvard Medical Health says.  

Thoracic Aortic aneurysm, meanwhile occurs in the chest, while Peripheral aneurysm can happen in elsewhere in the body like the neck or behind the knees, explains the CDC.

According to Penn Medicine, Abdominal aortic is the most common type of aneurysm, occuring when the wall of the aorta weakens and bulges. In the event that it ruptures, it can lead to severe internal bleeding. 

Symptoms 

Symptoms of aneurysm vary depending on the type of aneurysm you have. 

According to an episode of Pinoy MD, most brain aneurysms are asymptomatic but patients can experience severe headache, increase of hypertension vomiting, nausea and loss of consciousness.

Like brain aneurysm, abdominal aortic and thoracic aneurysms are often asymptomatic, making them equally difficult to detect. 

According to Mayo Clinic, patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm often experience deep, constant abdominal pain, back pain and a pulse near the belly button.

Harvard Medical School adds a feeling of fullness even after a small meal and pain between bottom of the ribs and hips as among symptoms of abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Symptoms for thoracic aortic aneurysm meanwhile include: back pain, cough, weak, scratchy voice, shortness of breath, and tenderness or pain in the chest.

Sharp, sudden pain in the chest or upper back, shortness of breath and trouble breathing or swallowing are also among the symptoms to watch out for, per the CDC.

Risk factors

According to the DOH Undersecretary, aneurysm is caused by an unhealthy lifestyle. Genetics also play an important factor. 

“For us to prevent that [aneurysm], primary care is our management for this. People should always have themselves checked, especially kung meron silang risk for hypertension in their family, kung meron silang (if they have risk for hypertension in their family, if they have) unhealthy lifestyle like smoking and all,” Vergeire said.

Prevention 

Preventing aneurysms involves managing risk factors that contribute to their development. Better lifestyle and diet help in preventing the risk of aneurysm. 

Control your blood pressure to reduce your risk. Don't smoke or quit immediately because smoking can increase the risk of developing aneurysms and make them more likely to rupture. 

Limit your alcohol consumption and manage your stress as both can contribute in raising blood pressure.

Regular exercise helps maintain cardiovascular health, while eating a healthy diet can help manage your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

— Jade Veronique Yap/LA, GMA Integrated News