Brain aneurysm

• Fact: Women are twice as likely as men to develop a brain aneurysm or to suffer a ruptured aneurysm.
• What you can do: If you’re at high risk for brain aneurysms, your doctor may recommend regular screening. The risks of this health condition can be reduced through lifestyle changes and preventive measures, including quitting smoking and reducing your blood pressure.
• Did you know? A brain aneurysm can be relatively silent, going undetected unless it presses on a nerve or begins to leak small amounts of blood. Ruptures can at times be prevented or their consequences mitigated if brain aneurysms are detected early.

A brain aneurysm, or cerebral aneurysm, is a bulge in an artery in the brain. As long as the brain aneurysm is small and does not rupture, it poses little risk to a person’s health. Large aneurysms, however, may put pressure on surrounding brain tissue. Some will rupture, flooding an area of the brain with blood. A ruptured brain aneurysm can be life threatening and requires immediate medical attention.

Up to 12 million Americans may have a brain aneurysm. Fortunately, less than one percent of these aneurysms rupture each year. Symptoms of a brain aneurysm include headaches, dizziness, eye pain, double vision and a stiff neck.

Brain aneurysms result from complex interactions of genetic and environmental risk factors. The Navigenics genetic test looks for a genetic risk marker that is associated with an increased risk of developing a brain aneurysm.

Knowing from our DNA test that you have a genetic predisposition for a brain aneurysm can help you and your doctor construct an appropriate assessment plan to potentially avert or at least minimize damage from an aneurysm.

If you have an above-average genetic risk for brain aneurysms, you should avoid tobacco smoke, work on lowering your blood pressure and avoid stimulant drugs. Limiting your alcohol consumption, avoiding heavy lifting and using aspirin sparingly may also help. You should also talk with your doctor about whether you should be screened for brain aneurysms.