Category: Support

September: Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month

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September is Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month. To get you started, here are the basics from the Brain Aneurysm Foundation website.

Understanding : Brain Aneurysm Basics

Being diagnosed with a brain aneurysm is frightening. Although ruptured aneurysms are relatively uncommon, they represent a very serious illness which is associated with a high rate of mortality and disability. Having survived a ruptured aneurysm is a very difficult experience to have gone through and can be extremely unsettling. Gathering information about your condition can help ease this fear, help begin the healing process, and help bring a sense of comfort and support during a trying time.

Brain AneurysmA brain aneurysm, also referred to as a cerebral aneurysm or intracranial aneurysm (IA), is a weak bulging spot on the wall of a brain artery very much like a thin balloon or weak spot on an inner tube. Over time, the blood flow within the artery pounds against the thinned portion of the wall and aneurysms form silently from wear and tear on the arteries. As the artery wall becomes gradually thinner from the dilation, the blood flow causes the weakened wall to swell outward. This pressure may cause the aneurysm to rupture and allow blood to escape into the space around the brain. A ruptured brain aneurysm commonly requires advanced surgical treatment.

What are the two types of aneurysms?

Saccular Aneurysm

A saccular aneurysm is the most common type of aneurysm and account for 80% to 90% of all intracranial aneurysms and are the most common cause of nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). It is also known as a “berry” aneurysm because of its shape. The berry aneurysm looks like a sac or berry forming at the bifuraction  or the “Y” segment of arteries. It has a neck and stem. These small, berry-like projections occur at arterial bifurcations and branches of the large arteries at the base of the brain, known as the Circle of Willis.


The fusiform aneurysm is a less common type of aneurysm. It looks like an outpouching of an arterial wall on both sides of the artery or like a blood vessel that is expanded in all directions. The fusiform aneurysm does not have a stem and it seldom ruptures.

Understanding : Warning Signs/ Symptoms

Unruptured brain aneurysms are typically completely asymptomatic. These aneurysms are typically small in size, usually less than one half inch in diameter. However, large unruptured aneurysms can occasionally press on the brain or the nerves stemming out of the brain and may result in various neurological symptoms. Any individual experiencing some or all of the following symptoms, regardless of age, should undergo immediate and careful evaluation by a physician.

  • Localized Headache
  • Dilated pupils
  • Blurred or double vision
  • Pain above and behind eye
  • Weakness and numbness
  • Difficulty speaking

Ruptured brain aneurysms usually result in a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), which is defined as bleeding into the subarachnoid space. When blood escapes into the space around the brain, it can cause sudden symptoms.

Seek Medical Attention Immediately If You Are Experiencing Some Or All Of These Symptoms:

  • Sudden severe headache, the worst headache of your life
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Nausea/Vomiting
  • Stiff Neck
  • Sudden blurred or double vision
  • Sudden pain above/behind the eye or difficulty seeing
  • Sudden change in mental status/awareness
  • Sudden trouble walking or dizziness
  • Sudden weakness and numbness
  • Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
  • Seizure
  • Drooping eyelid

Touching More Lives

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We attended the first Mystery Ride in New Hampshire over the weekend where we joined the Alton, NH American Legion Riders, Chapter 8, a charitable veterans group, to solve a murder mystery and raise funds for The Brain Aneurysm Foundation. Participants followed the clue map to each stop around scenic Lake Winnipesaukee and picked up clues to solve the mystery of who murdered Hugh Mann Body.

Dave and I were in charge of the last stop (and clue) on the map and set up our Brain Aneurysm tent. It was a beautiful day out and we welcomed the bikers and some other civilians in their cars as they went in search of clues for a wonderful story written by an aneurysm survivor (and event organizer), Julie.

We have to admit hearing and seeing the 15 or so motorcycles turn into our stop all at once was quite a sight. As much as we wanted more to participate, it was still pretty exciting to see those that DID participate. They all seemed to enjoy the mystery and their help in bringing awareness and money to Brain Aneurysm was greatly appreciated.

The Silent Auction was a huge hit and all of the money raised from that, as well as individual donations, and a 50/50 raffle will go to genetic research for familiar aneurysms. Julie decided to give that money to the Brain Aneurysm Foundation in my sister Dori’s name. I was very moved and touched she did that.

They were also able to connect with at least two other survivors and that is really what part of the events like this is about. The more people you can connect with, the more of a community you can build. One woman had survived a pretty awful rupture just a couple of months ago. She was doing GREAT! And an older woman discovered she had 3 brain aneurysm and an aortic aneurysm, but was there ready to to kick butt in the silent auction!

As with our KAT-Walk event, in some years it’s not about the quantity of the people who participate, but the quality of the people and I’d say we had some top-notch, salt-of-the-earth folks who cared about a cause that was very near and dear to their friend.

Thank you to EVERYONE who participated, contributed, and cared. For a few PHOTOS from the event, CLICK HERE>>

That’s What It’s All About

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As we continue to prepare for this year’s KAT-Walk & Karo-5K (25 new banners have been designed and prepared the last 3 days!), the number of people we’ve touched throughout New England, not just Maine, has continue to grow.

Just last night we received an email about a survivor who will attend the walk. Due to other mental issues, she’ll need two folks to tend to her. But the fact she’ll BE there, is a triumph and the fact someone she knows was willing to pay the registration for all three people is very heartwarming.

Educating the general public and the local medical volunteers is our main goal, but having survivors and families of survivors and loved ones lost join together at the event is one of the highlights. It’s comforting, painful, and exciting all at the same time.

As our motto states, we consider our walk not only a way to educate, but “Share our tears, remember with love, and walk & run to honor”.

It makes all of the hard work put in by so many dedicated volunteers worthwhile. THANK YOU!

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