“It is critical that those who suspect they may have an aneurysm seek medical attention as soon as possible. It may mean the difference between life and death and, for those who survive, it means a chance at a better outcome,” said BAF Executive Director Christine Buckley.
HANOVER, Mass. (PRWEB) April 25, 2018
The collapse of 31 year-old pitcher Danny Farquhar on Friday has once again drawn attention to the serious, and sudden, onset of brain aneurysm rupture which can affect anyone regardless of age.
Although shocking, it’s not uncommon: an estimated 6 million people in the United States have an unruptured brain aneurysm, or 1 in 50 people. The rate of rupture is approximately 8 – 10 per 100,000 people or about 30,000 people annually in the United States. There is a brain aneurysm rupturing every 18 minutes. Ruptured brain aneurysms are fatal in about 40 percent of cases. Of those who survive, about 66 percent suffer some permanent neurological deficit.
The globally recognized organization on the subject, the Brain Aneurysm Foundation works with more than 30 of the foremost aneurysm experts to share information and support research into this life-threatening affliction.
“Unfortunately, stories like Danny’s are something we hear every day as we receive calls from families in need of resources and survivors who are struggling with their next step,” said BAF Executive Director Christine Buckley. “Our mission is to generate awareness of the signs of a brain aneurysm so people will immediately seek medical help, and to increase fundraising for research so that we can learn more and, one day, better diagnose and prevent this terrible affliction.”
Know the Six Signs of Brain Aneurysm
The following are the early signs of a brain aneurysm:
- A localized headache (note that if the aneurysm ruptures, the pain is commonly referred to as “the worse headache of your life” and requires urgent medical attention)
- Dilated pupils
- Blurred or double vision
- Pain above and behind the eye
- Weakness and numbness
- Difficulty speaking
“It is critical that those who suspect they may have an aneurysm seek medical attention as soon as possible. It may mean the difference between life and death and, for those who survive, it means a chance at a better outcome,” said Buckley.
About the Brain Aneurysm Foundation
Founded in Boston and now based in Hanover, Massachusetts, the Brain Aneurysm Foundation is the globally recognized leader in brain aneurysm awareness, education, support, advocacy and research funding.
The foundation’s mission is to provide information about and raise awareness of the symptoms and risk factors of brain aneurysms to prevent ruptures and subsequent death and disability; work with medical communities to provide support networks for patients and families; and advance research to improve patients’ outcomes and save lives.
Established in 1994, the foundation is led by Executive Director Christine Buckley and has a Medical Advisory Board that comprises more than 30 of the nation’s foremost aneurysm experts — neurologists, neurosurgeons, interventional neuroradiologists and other brain aneurysm specialists — from the country’s leading hospitals and universities.
For more information about the Brain Aneurysm Foundation, visit bafound.org.