How to Avoid an Aneurysm
Learn your family history., Recognize the symptoms of an aneurysm., Learn the different types of scans., Talk to a specialist., Quit smoking., Moderate your drinking., Use drugs correctly., Adopt a healthy diet., Exercise regularly., Monitor your...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Learn your family history.
If at least two other members of your family have had aneurysms, either recently or in the past, you should be screened for the possibility of developing an aneurysm yourself.
Doctors normally recommend such screenings every five years.
Most aneurysms are detected after the fact, when they've already become medical emergencies, or when brain imaging is performed for other purposes.
Because it's a difficult thing to screen for, most doctors will recommend against testing and looking for aneurysms that are not ruptured, unless you've experienced any of the symptoms or fit the profile of an aneurysm. -
Step 2: Recognize the symptoms of an aneurysm.
If you experience eye pain, specifically pain coming from behind the eye, as well as blurry vision and paralysis of the face, you need to talk to your doctor immediately and request that a screen and scan be performed. , Your doctor may throw a lot of technical possibilities at you, so it helps to be somewhat informed before getting stuck in his or her office and getting locked into possibly-expensive tests that you might not want done.
Generally, the scans performed will include:
Computerized tomography (CT).
This is a special kind of X-Ray usually used to detect bleeding.
The scanner produces slice-like sections of your brain to examine, and might also involve injections of fluid that will illuminate the blood in the images.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
An MRI generally uses a combination of radio waves that interact within a magnetic field to produce a detailed 2D or 3D version of your brain.
Fluid may also be injected to improve the image.
Cerebrospinal fluid test.
Also known as a "spinal tap," this is used in cases in which you've experienced a hemorrhage that isn't showing up on another scan.
Despite the gruesome common name, most patients don't experience much discomfort during or following the test.
Cerebral angiogram.
During this test, a thin probe is inserted near your groin and and threaded through your arteries to your brain to inject a dye, which is used to track the flow of blood and check for hemorrhaging.
It's the most invasive of the tests, only used when the others don't reveal anything. , If your doctor notices something in a scan, or if you're concerned about the possibility of an aneurysm, you'll probably be referred to a specialist.
If you fit the risk profile or have experienced any of the symptoms of an aneurysm, talk about your tests with a neurosurgeon or neurologist to get more information.
Further tests and screens may be required, and you'll be able to get more specific information from an expert in the field., In addition to increasing the risk of developing emphysema and lung cancer, smoking also increases your chances of developing an aneurysm.
You may need your doctor's help to find the right program to help you quit.
Also avoid exposing yourself to secondhand smoke.
If you fit the risk profile, avoid indoor areas that allow smoking. , Drinking too much alcohol can also weaken blood vessel walls, increasing the possibility of developing an aneurysm.
If you have other problems related to excessive drinking, you may need to give it up entirely. , Abusing drugs, prescription or otherwise, can lead to inflammation in blood vessels and the formation of aneurysms.
Habitual cocaine and amphetamine users are particularly susceptible to the development of brain aneurysms., Choose a diet with a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meat and non-meat protein sources.
Avoid excess fats, cholesterol, sodium and sugar.
Eat smaller portions, or start preparing more of your own meals to have more control over your portions.
Consider eating several smaller meals throughout the day, rather than two or three big ones. , Maintain good cardio health and do some light strength training to maintain a healthy body weight and physique.
Exercising at least 30 minutes every day will help you avoid an aneurysm or prevent one from rupturing.
Your doctor can recommend suitable exercises for you if you want to get started.
You don't have to go all out.
If you want to start exercising, try starting with:
Light stretches in the morning before breakfast.
Just doing some calisthenics for 15 or 20 minutes each morning will get you moving and can be a nice warm up to stimulate other activities.
Short sets of sit-ups and pushups.
You don't have to start dead-lifting heavy weights or running marathons.
Do sets of 20 sit-ups and 10 pushups to get started with and gradually work your way up.
Check out some exercise videos online or at your local library for some guided instruction, or talk to your doctor for more possibilities. , Key factors to avoiding an aneurysm or preventing one from rupturing include monitoring your weight, cholesterol, blood glucose and blood pressure levels.
Scheduling regular doctor's visits and staying on top of your health is the best way to avoid aneurysms altogether. , Taking steps to manage your stress level can help you avoid developing an aneurysm or, quite literally, "popping a blood vessel." If you want to lessen the amount of stress in your life, start by learning to recognize the things that cause stress that you can work on.
You might stressed out about:
Relationship issues Work Family commitments Financial problems Other trauma , You deserve a break, especially if you're concerned about your health.
Discuss the possibility of taking some brief time off from your job to rest up and eliminate some of the stress that you're concerned about from your life.
Forget about your work worries for a while and come back refreshed and rested.
Go on vacation.
Visit family.
Do what will relax you.
If your job is a constant source of agitation and stress in your life, you might consider switching jobs, transferring, or finding a new line of employment altogether. , You don't have to start building ships in bottles to calm down.
Find something that excites you and distracts you from the stresses of life.
Want to start playing paintball? Get out there and try it.
Do something that will be fun, something that exercises your mind and your body.
Try:
Playing games like poker or chess Doing outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or swimming Reading more Picking up an instrument, or renewing an interest in an old one Taking a class or lessons , Studies have shown that oldest populations worldwide all have one thing in common: they all participate in quiet, restful activities that involve no speaking, each day.
Many perfectly normal people enjoy the relaxation involved in meditation, and you don't have to be a yoga master to experience the benefits.
Simply sitting quietly in or outdoors for 20 or 30 minutes each day can drastically reduce your stress.
Start watching the sunset or rise each day as a way of relaxing and centering yourself. -
Step 3: Learn the different types of scans.
-
Step 4: Talk to a specialist.
-
Step 5: Quit smoking.
-
Step 6: Moderate your drinking.
-
Step 7: Use drugs correctly.
-
Step 8: Adopt a healthy diet.
-
Step 9: Exercise regularly.
-
Step 10: Monitor your overall health.
-
Step 11: Learn to recognize stress triggers in your life.
-
Step 12: Take some time off of work.
-
Step 13: Participate in relaxing and healthy hobbies.
-
Step 14: Consider meditation.
Detailed Guide
If at least two other members of your family have had aneurysms, either recently or in the past, you should be screened for the possibility of developing an aneurysm yourself.
Doctors normally recommend such screenings every five years.
Most aneurysms are detected after the fact, when they've already become medical emergencies, or when brain imaging is performed for other purposes.
Because it's a difficult thing to screen for, most doctors will recommend against testing and looking for aneurysms that are not ruptured, unless you've experienced any of the symptoms or fit the profile of an aneurysm.
If you experience eye pain, specifically pain coming from behind the eye, as well as blurry vision and paralysis of the face, you need to talk to your doctor immediately and request that a screen and scan be performed. , Your doctor may throw a lot of technical possibilities at you, so it helps to be somewhat informed before getting stuck in his or her office and getting locked into possibly-expensive tests that you might not want done.
Generally, the scans performed will include:
Computerized tomography (CT).
This is a special kind of X-Ray usually used to detect bleeding.
The scanner produces slice-like sections of your brain to examine, and might also involve injections of fluid that will illuminate the blood in the images.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
An MRI generally uses a combination of radio waves that interact within a magnetic field to produce a detailed 2D or 3D version of your brain.
Fluid may also be injected to improve the image.
Cerebrospinal fluid test.
Also known as a "spinal tap," this is used in cases in which you've experienced a hemorrhage that isn't showing up on another scan.
Despite the gruesome common name, most patients don't experience much discomfort during or following the test.
Cerebral angiogram.
During this test, a thin probe is inserted near your groin and and threaded through your arteries to your brain to inject a dye, which is used to track the flow of blood and check for hemorrhaging.
It's the most invasive of the tests, only used when the others don't reveal anything. , If your doctor notices something in a scan, or if you're concerned about the possibility of an aneurysm, you'll probably be referred to a specialist.
If you fit the risk profile or have experienced any of the symptoms of an aneurysm, talk about your tests with a neurosurgeon or neurologist to get more information.
Further tests and screens may be required, and you'll be able to get more specific information from an expert in the field., In addition to increasing the risk of developing emphysema and lung cancer, smoking also increases your chances of developing an aneurysm.
You may need your doctor's help to find the right program to help you quit.
Also avoid exposing yourself to secondhand smoke.
If you fit the risk profile, avoid indoor areas that allow smoking. , Drinking too much alcohol can also weaken blood vessel walls, increasing the possibility of developing an aneurysm.
If you have other problems related to excessive drinking, you may need to give it up entirely. , Abusing drugs, prescription or otherwise, can lead to inflammation in blood vessels and the formation of aneurysms.
Habitual cocaine and amphetamine users are particularly susceptible to the development of brain aneurysms., Choose a diet with a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meat and non-meat protein sources.
Avoid excess fats, cholesterol, sodium and sugar.
Eat smaller portions, or start preparing more of your own meals to have more control over your portions.
Consider eating several smaller meals throughout the day, rather than two or three big ones. , Maintain good cardio health and do some light strength training to maintain a healthy body weight and physique.
Exercising at least 30 minutes every day will help you avoid an aneurysm or prevent one from rupturing.
Your doctor can recommend suitable exercises for you if you want to get started.
You don't have to go all out.
If you want to start exercising, try starting with:
Light stretches in the morning before breakfast.
Just doing some calisthenics for 15 or 20 minutes each morning will get you moving and can be a nice warm up to stimulate other activities.
Short sets of sit-ups and pushups.
You don't have to start dead-lifting heavy weights or running marathons.
Do sets of 20 sit-ups and 10 pushups to get started with and gradually work your way up.
Check out some exercise videos online or at your local library for some guided instruction, or talk to your doctor for more possibilities. , Key factors to avoiding an aneurysm or preventing one from rupturing include monitoring your weight, cholesterol, blood glucose and blood pressure levels.
Scheduling regular doctor's visits and staying on top of your health is the best way to avoid aneurysms altogether. , Taking steps to manage your stress level can help you avoid developing an aneurysm or, quite literally, "popping a blood vessel." If you want to lessen the amount of stress in your life, start by learning to recognize the things that cause stress that you can work on.
You might stressed out about:
Relationship issues Work Family commitments Financial problems Other trauma , You deserve a break, especially if you're concerned about your health.
Discuss the possibility of taking some brief time off from your job to rest up and eliminate some of the stress that you're concerned about from your life.
Forget about your work worries for a while and come back refreshed and rested.
Go on vacation.
Visit family.
Do what will relax you.
If your job is a constant source of agitation and stress in your life, you might consider switching jobs, transferring, or finding a new line of employment altogether. , You don't have to start building ships in bottles to calm down.
Find something that excites you and distracts you from the stresses of life.
Want to start playing paintball? Get out there and try it.
Do something that will be fun, something that exercises your mind and your body.
Try:
Playing games like poker or chess Doing outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or swimming Reading more Picking up an instrument, or renewing an interest in an old one Taking a class or lessons , Studies have shown that oldest populations worldwide all have one thing in common: they all participate in quiet, restful activities that involve no speaking, each day.
Many perfectly normal people enjoy the relaxation involved in meditation, and you don't have to be a yoga master to experience the benefits.
Simply sitting quietly in or outdoors for 20 or 30 minutes each day can drastically reduce your stress.
Start watching the sunset or rise each day as a way of relaxing and centering yourself.
About the Author
Charlotte Brown
With a background in writing and publishing, Charlotte Brown brings 3 years of hands-on experience to every article. Charlotte believes in making complex topics accessible to everyone.
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