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A brain aneurysm is a weak spot in a brain blood vessel that can rupture, leading to severe issues. If the symptoms worsen, this requires immediate medical attention.
Salman Khan revealed that he is battling from brain aneurysm.
Actor Salman Khan recently grabbed eyeballs when he appeared on the latest season of The Great Indian Kapil Show in a fitter avatar. On the show, the actor made some shocking revelations around his health. The 59 year old actor revealed that he has been battling three neurological disorders.
Talking about his health on The Great Indian Kapil Show, Salman Khan said, “I’m out here breaking my bones every day – ribs are fractured, I’m working despite having trigeminal neuralgia, there is an aneurysm in the brain, yet I’m still working. There’s also an AV malformation, and still, I’m carrying on.”
What Is A Brain Aneurysm? Here’s What You Should Know
A brain aneurysm, or cerebral aneurysm, is a potentially life-threatening condition involving a weak spot in a blood vessel in the brain that balloons outward, forming a bulge. This outpouching can look like a small blister or balloon, and while many remain harmless and undetected, others can rupture and lead to bleeding in or around the brain. This bulge occurs due to the continuous pressure of blood flowing through weakened arterial walls. Over time, this pressure stretches the vessel, thinning it out and increasing the risk of rupture, much like an overinflated balloon that may suddenly pop.
What Happens If A Brain Aneurysm Ruptures?
A ruptured brain aneurysm leads to a subarachnoid haemorrhage – a type of stroke caused by bleeding in the space surrounding the brain. This sudden bleed can cause brain tissue to swell and raise intracranial pressure, which can be fatal or severely disabling.
The hallmark sign of a ruptured aneurysm is a sudden, intense headache, often described as the worst headache of one’s life – a “thunderclap headache.” Other symptoms may follow rapidly, including:
- Loss of consciousness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Seizures
- Sensitivity to light
- Vision disturbances
- Neck stiffness
- Cognitive confusion or sudden behavioural changes
Immediate medical attention is critical to improve survival and reduce the risk of permanent brain damage.
Who Is At Risk?
Brain aneurysms can affect anyone, but some groups are more vulnerable. Most commonly, aneurysms are found in individuals aged 30 to 60, and studies show they tend to occur more frequently in women than in men. Some aneurysms are congenital. However, lifestyle and health conditions also play a significant role.
Common Risk Factors Include:
- Smoking: Damages blood vessel walls and significantly raises the risk of rupture
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Hypertension (High blood pressure)
- Drug use, particularly cocaine or amphetamines
- Genetic disorders, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or polycystic kidney disease
- A family history of aneurysms or hemorrhagic stroke
- Head trauma or infection affecting arteries (though rare)
Warning Signs And Symptoms Of An Unruptured Aneurysm
While many aneurysms show no symptoms until rupture, some grow large enough to press against nearby tissues or nerves, resulting in:
- Persistent headaches (not thunderclap in nature)
- Blurred or double vision
- Pain behind or above one eye
- Dilated pupils or drooping eyelids
- Numbness or weakness on one side of the face
- Difficulty concentrating or maintaining balance
When To See A Doctor?
If you experience a sudden, severe headache, especially one accompanied by vomiting, vision changes, or neurological symptoms like confusion or weakness, seek emergency care immediately. Early intervention can be life-saving. Brain aneurysms are typically diagnosed via imaging tests like CT scans, MRI, or cerebral angiography.
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Delhi, India, India
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