In a world full of health statistics and projections, a fact that may surprise many is that one in 50 people have a brain aneurysm. Women are more likely to develop them and while they can occur in people of all ages, they more commonly occur between the ages of 35 and 60. Most people don’t know they have one and may experience no obvious symptoms. So given that, what does one do to avoid an aneurysm from forming or rupturing?

Aneurysms form silently from wear and tear on the arteries; their formation sometimes from injury, infection or inherited tendency. While there are no known ways to prevent aneurysms from forming, it is important to note that doctors and researchers have identified risk factors they believe may “contribute to the formation” of brain aneurysms. These include smoking, hypertension, congenital resulting from inborn abnormality in the artery wall, drug use – particularly cocaine, infection, tumors, traumatic head injury, family history of brain aneurysms, or some inherited disorders. In addition, doctors and researchers believe that smoking and hypertension “contribute to the rupture” of brain aneurysms.

“Early detection is key for better treatment and better recovery”, advocates The Brain Aneurysm Foundation, a resource for education, support and research. Some aneurysms are discovered during tests for another, unrelated condition. In other cases, severe headaches, blurred vision, changes in speech and neck pain may result from an unruptured aneurysm. Such warning signs and symptoms are alerts to seek medical attention immediately. These may also include dilated pupil, pain above and behind the eye, drooping eyelid, cranial nerve palsy, or a severe headache accompanied by sensitivity to light, change in mental status or awareness, and/or seizure. Again, these symptoms should prompt one to seek medical attention immediately.

How one recovers from an aneurysm depends on the general health of the individual, location of the aneurysm and how quickly the person seeks medical attention. Chef Mario Batali of The Food Network suffered an aneurysm on the opening night of his restaurant Lupa. He reports that he had the “worst headache of his life” so he took a cab to the emergency room. Fortunately such quick action contributed to his recovery, and he was able to resume his regular activities within six weeks. But knowing that many others have not been so fortunate, he has joined forces with the Brain Aneurysm Foundation to educate and support the community about brain aneurysms.

Support is vital for aneurysm survivors and their families. Support group members share concerns, needs, and strategies to compensate for whatever losses they have suffered. Some were in comas, some had surgery and many admit that they are not where they used to be. But while all agree that they are different, they are quick to add “not worse”. The most common attitude shared locally and nationally among survivors is that they now know how important it is to smell the roses, to laugh at life, and to be grateful for life.

The Brain Aneurysm Foundation hosts a website that contains valuable information and resources. It can be accessed at www.bafound.org.

There are a few Brain Aneurysm support groups in Massachusetts, the two most local ones being:

§ South Shore Brain Aneurysm Support Group, second Wednesday of the month from 7 to 8:30 pm at the Norwell VNA and Hospice, 91 Longwater Circle, Norwell. Call 781-659-2342