An aneurysm is a progressive dilation of a blood vessel caused by the fragility of its walls. It can occur in any vascular segment, but is more dangerous when it forms in the aorta or arteries of the brain. If it breaks, it is capable of causing death in 50% of cases. It is often difficult to diagnose until it breaks down and is just as difficult to prevent, but there are steps you can take to reduce the risk and determine if you need to have a checkup. Continue reading the article to learn more about the topic.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Undergo a Checkup
Step 1. Find out about previous cases in the family
If at least two of your relatives have suffered from this condition recently or in the past, you should have regular checkups as there is a possibility that you may also have it. Doctors recommend a checkup every 5 years.
- In most cases, the aneurysm is diagnosed when it has now turned into an emergency, or accidentally, when for other reasons you undergo diagnostic imaging tests that allow you to observe the brain. Because it is difficult to detect, most doctors do not recommend these tests unless there are symptoms attributable to an aneurysm.
- Generally, controls are recommended for men between the ages of 65 and 75 who have been smokers at some point in their life. Male subjects who belong to this age group and have never smoked can undergo selective screening based on their clinical history. Finally, checks are not recommended for women of this age group.
Step 2. Recognize the symptoms
If your eyes hurt - as if the pain is coming from the back of your eyeball - your vision is blurred or you have facial muscle paralysis, you should see your doctor right away and get an imaging test.
Step 3. Learn about the different diagnostic techniques
Your doctor can offer you several options, so it is a good idea to prepare yourself before undergoing a series of examinations of a certain economic size. Usually, we proceed with:
- Computed tomography. It uses a special type of X-rays to locate any bleeding. The instrument reproduces dissected images of the brain and it is necessary to infuse a contrast medium that highlights the presence of blood.
- Magnetic resonance. It uses a combination of radio waves that interact with a magnetic field in order to produce 2D or 3D images of the brain. The administration of a contrast agent may be necessary. It can be combined with magnetic resonance angiography which uses the same technology to produce images of the body's major blood vessels.
- Rachicentesi. It is also known as a "lumbar puncture" and is prescribed in the event that medical imaging does not reveal a bleeding. While the procedure may be impressive, most patients do not experience excessive pain during or after the exam.
- Cerebral angiography. During the exam, a small probe is inserted near the groin that runs through the arteries and injects a contrast agent to detect any bleeding and check blood flow. It is the most invasive investigation and is used when the other diagnostic procedures show nothing.
- Abdominal ultrasound. During the test, the doctor will perform a complete ultrasound of the abdomen. It is used to check for the presence of an aneurysm in the abdominal aorta.
Step 4. Consult a specialist
If your GP notices anything in the pictures or you suspect you have an aneurysm, try seeing a specialist. If your health poses a risk or you have certain symptoms, you can make an appointment with a neurosurgeon or neurologist to get a clearer picture of the situation. He will probably have to prescribe further tests, but with an expert in this field you will be able to get more detailed information.
Part 2 of 3: Taking Care of Your Health
Step 1. Stop smoking
In addition to being a risk factor for cancer and pulmonary emphysema, smoking increases the chances of developing an aneurysm. You will likely need a doctor to plan a smoking cessation course.
Also, avoid exposing yourself to secondhand smoke. If you are at risk of an aneurysm, do not go to an area where smoking is allowed
Step 2. Limit alcohol
Taken in excessive doses, alcohol weakens the vascular walls, increasing the risk of developing an aneurysm. If you have alcohol problems, you must definitely quit].
Step 3. Take your medications correctly
Over-the-counter and prescription drug abuse results in inflammation of the blood vessels and promotes the onset of an aneurysm. Of course, drugs are also deleterious, and regular users of cocaine and amphetamines are particularly prone to brain aneurysms.
Step 4. Eat a healthy diet
Opt for a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and non-animal protein. Avoid excess fat, cholesterol, sugar and sodium. Eat small portions or start cooking everything you eat yourself to have greater control over quantities. Consider eating little and more often instead of two or three large meals a day.
Step 5. Train regularly
Follow a balanced routine, including cardiovascular exercises combined with muscle strengthening to keep your weight under control and stay fit. Train at least 30 minutes a day to prevent aneurysms from forming and avoid any breakages. The doctor is able to advise on what type of activity to start with. Don't overdo it at first. Here are some tips for getting started:
- Do some stretching exercises in the morning before breakfast. Try calisthenics for 15-20 minutes to warm up and prepare for other activities.
- Do small sets of pushups and crunches. In the beginning, you don't have to run a marathon or lift 80kg with your arms. Do 20 crunches and 10 pushups, then gradually increase.
- Search the Internet for some exercise videos or buy a guide on the subject. In any case, you can also consult your doctor.
Step 6. Don't neglect your health
The main factors that favor the formation and rupture of an aneurysm are overweight, high cholesterol, hyperglycemia and hypertension. Schedule periodic medical visits to monitor your health and avoid this risk.
Part 3 of 3: Managing Stress
Step 1. Learn to recognize what is stressing you
Relieving tension helps prevent the development of aneurysms, or what happens if a vein literally "burst". If you want to reduce stress, the first thing to do is to recognize the cause and start working from there. Here are some factors that fuel it:
- Relationship problems;
- Job;
- Family commitments;
- Economic problems;
- Other traumas.
Step 2. Take a few days off
You deserve a break, especially if you are concerned about your health. Talk to your boss about it so you can take a short vacation to rest and eliminate the stress that is putting you on your knees. If you put your work problems aside, you'll return to the office fresher and more rested. Go on a trip, visit your family, do whatever relaxes you.
If your job is a constant source of stress and turmoil, you may want to consider changing your job, asking for a relocation, or changing industry
Step 3. Cultivate healthy and relaxing hobbies
To calm down, you don't have to start building sailing ships in bottles. Find something interesting that will distract you. How about starting to play paintball? Why not try it? Do something fun that keeps you busy with your body and mind. Here are some ideas:
- Play poker or chess;
- Engage in outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, or swimming
- Read more;
- Learn to play a musical instrument or pick up the old guitar;
- Sign up for some classes or take dance lessons.
Step 4. Consider meditation
Many studies have shown that older people around the world have one thing in common: they engage in quieter, more restful activities that don't force you to talk excessively. Many individuals benefit from the relaxing effects offered by meditation, but you don't have to be a yoga teacher to do that.
To drastically reduce stress, simply sit in a quiet place or outdoors for 20-30 minutes. If you want to relax and focus on yourself, start by observing the sunset or sunrise every day
Advice
Some doctors recommend that patients at risk of an aneurysm or ruptured aneurysm take a low dose of aspirin to thin the blood and prevent arterial plaques from weakening the vascular walls. Check with your doctor to find out if this drug treatment is suitable for your health condition
Warnings
- A very large aneurysm left intact inside the brain can cause pain in one eye, pupil dilation, ptosis, diplopia or blurred vision, numbness or paralysis of one side of the face.
- The most common symptom of aneurysm rupture is a sudden, painful headache. Other symptoms can be seizures, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, visual problems, confusion and loss of consciousness.
- In some cases, the rupture is preceded by bleeding that produces a sudden, severe headache. Call emergency services immediately if you experience these symptoms or someone else has them.
