In 18 minutes, one of the 6.8 million people in the United States with an unruptured brain aneurysm will experience a sudden, severe headache – the first symptom of a ruptured aneurysm.
According to the Brain Aneurysm Foundation, the ruptured brain aneurysm survival rate is 50%. Of those who survive, about 66% suffer some permanent neurological deficit.
Brain aneurysms are a silent killer, often showing no symptoms until it is too late. With misdiagnosis or delays in diagnosis occurring in up to one-quarter of patients, the results can be devastating and, unfortunately, too late for many.
But it doesn’t have to be.
The emergence of full-body MRI scan technology may make all the difference.
Keep reading to understand more about brain aneurysms and how a full-body MRI scan may answer a highly sought-after question: Can a full-body MRI turn the tides on brain aneurysm survival?
What is a Brain Aneurysm?
A brain aneurysm is a bulge that develops in a weakened area of a blood vessel in or around your brain. Think of a brain aneurysm like a balloon – as blood flows into the bulge, it begins to stretch and fill, much like a balloon when filled with air. However, just as a balloon is more likely to pop with the excess air it takes in, so can an aneurysm.
The majority of brain aneurysms are small and don’t cause symptoms. However, as it grows, it can put undue pressure on nearby nerves or brain tissue, bringing about symptoms and potentially leading to life-threatening consequences if it leaks or ruptures.
Ruptured vs. Unruptured Brain Aneurysms
There are two types of brain aneurysms, or cerebral aneurysms: ruptured and unruptured.
Unruptured aneurysms are those that are still in the “ballooning” phase. They don’t always cause symptoms, resulting in them going undetected more often than not. Ruptured aneurysms, on the other hand, will cause a subarachnoid hemorrhage or bleeding in the brain. Ruptured aneurysms can be fatal and require immediate medical attention.
Unruptured Brain Aneurysm Symptoms
While most unruptured brain aneurysms don’t cause symptoms, they can if they become large enough to put pressure on nearby nerves and brain tissue.
Common symptoms of an unruptured brain aneurysm include:
- Headaches
- Vision changes (i.e. double vision)
- Enlarged pupil
- Pain above and behind your eye
- Seizures
- Numbness or tingling on your head and face
Ruptured Brain Aneurysm Symptoms
When a brain aneurysm ruptures or begins leaking, blood spills into your brain tissue. The rush of blood can put pressure on your brain tissue, causing your brain to swell and resulting in life-threatening complications, from permanent brain damage to coma and even death.
Common symptoms of a ruptured or leaking brain aneurysm include:
- A sudden and severe headache (often described as “the worst headache they’ve ever experienced”)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stiff neck
- Blurred or double vision
- Light sensitivity
- Loss of consciousness
- Confusion
- Drooping eyelid and enlarged (dilated) pupil
- Weakness or numbness
- Seizures
If you experience any of the above symptoms or a sudden and severe headache, contact a medical professional immediately.
The Outlook of a Brain Aneurysm and How a Full Body MRI Scan Could Save Your Life
With a survival rate of 50% in ruptured brain aneurysm cases, the key to survival lies in early detection and treatment.
In 2016, a study published in the Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice found that MRI scans detected the presence of 57 aneurysms among 45 patients, nine of whom had multiple aneurysms.
An MRI is considered a highly accurate means of identifying unruptured brain aneurysms in their early stages before symptoms become evident.
Undergoing a full body scan near you could mean the difference between living unencumbered or becoming a statistic.
Protect Your Future with a Whole Body MRI Scan at MRI Wellness
Brain aneurysms are easily overlooked and can go unnoticed until a sudden and severe headache puts your life at risk.
So, why take a risk when the technology exists to change your fate?
At MRI Wellness, we leverage technology to help you take a proactive approach to your health and wellness. With the ability to scan 13 organ systems and detect nearly 500 health conditions, a full-body MRI in Charleston, SC, provides you with the unique opportunity to live a life without fear.
Our MRI experience is engineered for accuracy, speed, safety and comfort, providing you with a comprehensive view of your health, from your head down to your toes.
Take the first step towards peace of mind and schedule an appointment with MRI Wellness today.
