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Brain Aneurysms and Stress

A brain aneurysm is a serious medical condition that is defined as a bulge in a vessel in the brain. Studies done by the Brain Aneurysm Foundation show that stress can play a major role in the recovery of a patient after treatment.

  1. Symptoms

    • Some of the symptoms of a brain aneurysm include nausea, severe headaches, sensitivity to light, seizures, loss of consciousness and confusion.

    Treatment

    • Treatment for this condition includes surgery and medication. Surgery will attempt to close off the brain aneurysm to prevent future ruptures. Medication can help lessen the severity or occurrence of the symptoms associated with the condition.

    Recovery

    • After surgery, many patients experience unpleasant side effects, such as headaches, fatigue, back pain, hair loss and constipation.

    Effects of Stress

    • Stress has a large impact on the symptoms of brain aneurysms and the side effects of surgery. Some of the symptoms, such as seizures, headaches and confusion, can be worsened by anxiety. The side effects of surgery--such as hair loss, headaches and fatigue--can also worsen with stress.

    Prevention/Solution

    • While many of the side effects of surgery are part of the healing process, their severity can be lowered by avoiding stressful situations and practicing relaxation techniques. In some cases, anxiety medications may be prescribed by the patient's doctor.

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