Brain Aneurysm and Smoking
Learn about the serious damages of smoking on brain health and the increased risk of brain aneurysms at our specialized clinic in Singapore. We encourage early brain aneurysm screening and take the first step towards quitting smoking with brain aneurysm specialist, Dr. Manish Taneja's expert guidance and care.
Introduction to Brain Aneurysm and Smoking
A brain aneurysm is a bulge in a blood vessel in your vein, caused by the pressure of blood against a weak area of the wall. If a brain aneurysm leaks, it causes a hemorrhagic stroke, which can be very serious. Brain aneurysms are common, but small brain aneurysms typically don't cause symptoms or health problems but a ruptured aneurysm is a life-threatening medical emergency.
One of the most significant controllable risk factors for a brain aneurysm is smoking tobacco, especially if you have a family history of brain aneurysm. This article is part of our guide to brain aneurysm causes and risk factors. For a complete overview, visit, Brain Aneurysm Causes and Risk Factors.
Understanding Brain Aneurysms
Again, a brain aneurysm is a bulge in a blood vessel, caused by a thinning of the wall. Elevated blood pressure is a strong contributor to brain aneurysms. The majority of brain aneurysms are "silent." They have no symptoms and are often not found, or if they are, are found incidentally when a brain aneurysm scan is done for other reasons. Unfortunately, in other cases an aneurysm is found when it ruptures, causing life threatening issues. A large brain aneurysm might cause symptoms that include visual disturbances, difficulty speaking, numbness on one side of the face, headaches (especially above or around the eye), concentration and memory issues, and loss of balance.
The characteristic symptom of a ruptured aneurysm is a sudden, agonising headache, often worse than any you have ever experienced. Other symptoms can include loss of consciousness, seizures, pain in the neck, nausea, light sensitivity, blurred or double vision, sudden confusion, or weakness on one side of the body.
The Link Between Smoking and Brain Aneurysms
The direct relationship between smoking and brain aneurysms is poorly understood. However, smoking is known to cause damage to blood vessels in general, and thus might increase the risk of the characteristic thinning. On top of that, smoking is also a risk factor for high blood pressure, which is itself a risk factor for aneurysms. Even occasional smoking can increase the risk, as tobacco increases blood pressure in the short term.
According to studies, the increased risk persists after smoking cessation, but smoking intensity and duration are associated with increased risk. The prevalence of smoking in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, the most common form of brain aneurysm, is 45 to 75% compared to 20 % to 35% in the general population (these figures are from the United States). Long-term exposure to secondhand smoke can also increase the risk of brain aneurysm.
Mechanisms of Action
Smoking elevates blood pressure, increasing the risk of aneurysm rupture. It also reduces the elasticity of blood vessel walls and does damage to blood vessels, potentially contributing to thinning. Finally, smoking can increase inflammation in arteries (as well as plaque formation with the associated increased risk of heart problems. Basically, smoking can have significant damage to your blood vessels which can affect your health at multiple levels. Smoking, poor vascular health, and uncontrolled blood pressure may contribute to both heart disease and aneurysm-related vascular damage.
Statistical Evidence and Studies
Multiple studies have showed an increase risk of brain aneurysm associated with smoking. One study showed that women aged 30 to 60 who smoked had four times the risk of having a brain aneurysm. If they also had high blood pressure, the risk went up to 7 times. This included small asymptomatic brain aneurysms, indicating that smokers should potentially be screened for aneurysms. This includes former smokers and potentially people with familial or occupational exposure to secondhand smoke.
Other Risk Factors and Interactions
Smoking has been shown to increase risk further when in conjunction with high blood pressure (which smoking can cause and exacerbate) and genetic risk factors. Smokers who have a family history of brain aneurysm have a particularly high risk. It may also increase aneurysm growth and rupture risk, even in smaller aneurysms. When combined together, it may accelerate damage to the blood vessel lining and increase aneurysm risk as well.
Most other risks of brain aneurysm are not modifiable. Advanced age and female sex are both associated with higher risk. Brain aneurysms can also be caused by head injuries. If you may be at higher risk, screening can help detect aneurysms early.
Screening for Smokers and Former Smokers at Our Brain Aneurysm Clinic in Singapore
While quitting smoking doesn't completely remove the risk, it does significantly reduce it. If you smoke, then you should quit, and if you are having difficulty quitting, you should ask a medical professional about a cessation program. The Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic offers screening for brain aneurysm, allowing smokers and former smokers to get checked for aneurysms. There are things we can do to reduce the risk of an aneurysm rupturing, so we invite you to contact us today to arrange for screening and diagnosis with our brain aneurysm specialist in Singapore, Dr. Manish Taneja.
Brain Aneurysm Resources
Explore our brain aneurysm resources. Understanding a brain aneurysm often involves learning across several areas.
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 conditions and treatments. 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.