For some, brain aneurysms remain hidden until a serious problem arises. This is why early detection is so vital - it can prevent complications and save lives. Awareness Month gives us the chance to focus on educating the public about this condition, including its hereditary nature. Proper screening can make all the difference in preventing a life-threatening rupture.
Raising Awareness About Brain Aneurysms This September
September is Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month – a time to come together, share knowledge, support and stay by those whose lives have been touched by this condition. Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month also highlights the importance of recognising symptoms, understanding risk factors, and improving public awareness of brain aneurysms. This article is part of our Brain Aneurysm Awareness & Understanding guide, which explores brain aneurysm awareness fully.
Additionally, doctors such as Dr. Manish Taneja, a brain aneurysm specialist in Singapore, of the Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic, encourage brain aneurysm awareness and education, while offering support to those whose lives have been affected by the medical condition. Awareness and early detection can save lives and this month, let's stand together to spread awareness and shine a ray of hope.
Did You Know? Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month helps educate millions about silent but serious brain conditions.
Common Questions About Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month
What is Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month?
Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month is an opportunity to increase public understanding of brain aneurysms, including their risk factors, warning signs, available screening options and modern treatment approaches. Greater awareness encourages timely medical assessment when appropriate.
Why is brain aneurysm awareness important?
Many brain aneurysms remain unruptured and may not cause symptoms. Understanding the warning signs, recognising who may be at higher risk and knowing when to seek specialist advice can help patients make informed healthcare decisions.
Who should be more aware of brain aneurysm risk?
People with a family history of brain aneurysms, uncontrolled high blood pressure, a history of smoking or inherited conditions such as polycystic kidney disease (PKD) or vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (vEDS) may have an increased risk. A specialist can advise whether further assessment or screening is appropriate.
Can brain aneurysms be detected before they rupture?
Yes. Some brain aneurysms are discovered before rupture during brain imaging such as CT angiography (CTA), MR angiography (MRA), MRI or cerebral angiography. Early detection allows specialists to determine whether monitoring or treatment is recommended.
What should I do if I am concerned about a brain aneurysm?
If you have persistent neurological symptoms, a strong family history or have been advised that you may be at increased risk, arrange a specialist consultation. Your doctor can review your medical history, discuss whether brain imaging is appropriate and recommend an individualised management plan.
What is a Brain Aneurysm?
In the simplest of terms, a brain aneurysm is a weakened spot in a blood vessel located in the brain. That weak spot may become an aneurysm, which can bulge and, in some cases, rupture, releasing blood into the brain causing a hemorrhagic stroke. Such a rupture is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention.
Quick Fact: Most brain aneurysms don't show symptoms until something goes wrong.
Why Brain Aneurysm Awareness Matters
For some, brain aneurysms may go unnoticed until there is a problem. Early detection can prevent complications. While sharing helpful information all year-round to those who are dealing with, or may be concerned about, brain aneurysms, Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month encompasses a time to concentrate on raising awareness and educating the general public about this serious health condition.
Brain aneurysms can be hereditary. A history of a brain aneurysm in an immediate family member is a significant risk factor. Anyone with a family history of brain aneurysms should strongly consider undergoing diagnostic testing. Proper screening can help reduce the possibility of a life-threatening rupture.
Some key symptoms of an unruptured brain aneurysm include:
- Numbness or weakness on one side of the face
- Headache
- Pain behind and above one eye
- Blurred or double vision
- Dilated pupil of one eye
- A drooping eyelid
A brain aneurysm diagnosis can help in the prevention of further issues, including increased bulging of a weakened area and the possibility of a rupture. Diagnosis will lead to healthier lifestyle choices along with routine monitoring and screening.
Did You Know? About 3 out of 100 Singaporeans may be walking around with a brain aneurysm. That is roughly 181,100 people out of the 6 million-plus people living here in 2024. The highest risk group consists of women between the ages of 50 and 60.
How You Can Help During Awareness Month
You don't have to have a brain aneurysm or a family member with one to help spread the word about early brain aneurysm detection and brain aneurysm symptoms. With this being Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month, now is a good time to become further educated about the condition and to share that information with family and friends. Learn steps you can take to spread awareness.
Brain aneurysms are rather common and should be brought to the forefront of health matters. There is an abundance of valuable information shared by our brain aneurysm clinic in Singapore through its media channels including the Supreme Vascular and Innovative Clinic's YouTube channel, as well as our Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn pages.
Additionally, participating in and helping promote local events such as the Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic's health talks and health series, as well as becoming involved in fundraising for research, are other ways to promote recognition of this health condition. Even sharing a fact or infographic online can help save lives.
When to Consider a Vascular Specialist Assessment in Singapore
Brain aneurysm awareness is about recognising who may benefit from further evaluation—not everyone requires screening, but some people have risk factors that warrant specialist advice.
Consider seeking a specialist assessment if you:
- Have a family history of brain aneurysms or aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage
- Have been diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease (PKD), vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (vEDS) or another inherited vascular condition
- Experience persistent headaches or neurological symptoms that are new or unexplained
- Have abnormal findings on CT, MRI, CTA or MRA imaging
- Have been diagnosed with an unruptured brain aneurysm and would like to understand your monitoring or treatment options
- Would like a second opinion regarding brain aneurysm screening, diagnosis or minimally invasive treatment
A specialist consultation includes reviewing your symptoms, medical history, family history and brain imaging to determine whether surveillance, further investigations or treatment is appropriate for your individual circumstances.
Seek emergency medical attention immediately if you experience a sudden severe headache, weakness, difficulty speaking, seizures, loss of consciousness or sudden vision changes. These symptoms may indicate a ruptured brain aneurysm or another neurological emergency requiring urgent assessment.
Concerned That You or Someone You Love May Have a Brain Aneurysm?
This September, take part in Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month by starting meaningful conversations. Talk with your loved ones, share the facts, and help spread knowledge. Together, we can empower each other - because awareness and early detection can save lives. Understanding brain aneurysm awareness and risk factors may help patients recognise when medical evaluation or screening should be considered. Patients may also explore how much they currently know about brain aneurysms through this awareness quiz.
Contact the Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic for brain aneurysm detection in Singapore. Rest assured that brain aneurysm specialist, Dr. Manish Taneja, will take the time to listen to your concerns and and to discuss minimally invasive treatment options specific to your needs.
Brain Aneurysm Resources
Discover brain aneurysm resources that go beyond the basics designed for patients. Understand the meaning of a brain aneurysm condition, the causes, symptoms, signs, and more. Connect with your brain health.
Put Brain Aneurysm on Your Health Radar
Did you experience the worst headache of your life? Thoughts could be racing through your mind. A brain aneurysm is a weak spot in a blood vessel in the brain that can change over time. The key concern is when an aneurysm ruptures, which can disrupt blood flow, affect brain tissue, and lead to serious brain damage. Controllable conditions like high blood pressure can increase this risk and treatment options can depend on the condition. Surgical clipping is one option that prevents blood from entering the weakened area. In many cases, minimally invasive treatments can also be used to restore normal blood flow and reduce risk. We have created structured guides to help you explore each stage in more detail:
A simple (computed tomography) CT scan could be just what the doctor ordered and the first step in early detection and prevention of a brain aneurysm. Come in for an easy consultation with our brain aneurysm specialist in Singapore to be on your health radar.
Other Health Conditions
The Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic is your "go-to" facility for various neurological conditions and pain management. To arrange an appointment with Dr. Manish Taneja, our brain aneurysm specialist, contact us. You can also call us at (+65) 6904 8084 for a consultation.