What You Need To Know About Brain Aneurysms And AVMs—Inspired By Salman Khan’s Health Disclosure

What is brain aneurysm?

A brain aneurysm is a thin area in a blood vessel within the brain that balloons outward from pressure within the vessel. When it gets too big, it can compress against surrounding nerves or rupture, causing bleeding in the brain, also referred to as a hemorrhagic stroke. This is a life-threatening condition.

What is AVM?

An arteriovenous malformation (AVM), however, is a type of rare condition characterized by an abnormal tangled group of blood vessels that develop in the wrong way, typically from birth. Arteries and veins in an AVM are inappropriately connected, thereby interfering with proper blood flow and oxygen supply. Similar to aneurysms, AVMs can also burst and lead to brain bleeding.

Symptoms and signs

These illnesses are typically "silent" until they rupture, yet at times warning signs do occur. Common symptoms include severe and sudden headaches, blurred or double vision, nausea, vomiting, seizures, numbness or weakness in the body, and slurred speech or difficulty understanding language. Detecting them early on can make a big difference.

Diagnosis and early detection

Diagnosis typically involves brain imaging techniques such as MRI or CT angiography that can detect aneurysms and AVMs. Scans are particularly recommended in individuals who have a family history of the conditions or still experience vague, persistent symptoms. Early detection can be life-saving.

Treatment options

If detected early, both aneurysms and AVMs can usually be treated successfully before they cause any real damage. Treatment for brain aneurysms is with endovascular coiling, which closes the aneurysm from inside the vessel, and clipping, which closes the diseased portion. AVMs are treated with surgery to remove the anomalous vessels, radiation to shrink them, or embolization, in which a special material is used to close the malformation. Treatment is based on the size, location, and risk of rupture.

Risk factors

Several risk factors are present that may enhance the likelihood of developing these brain disorders. These involve having high blood pressure, smoking, head trauma, and drug abuse, especially the use of stimulants such as cocaine. Family history is also a big contributor. AVMs are typically present at birth but aneurysms develop as a result of weakening blood vessel walls over time.

Public reminder from Salman Khan’s confession

Salman Khan's recent confessional has focused much-needed attention on the fact that numerous serious illnesses form in silence. His honesty is a reminder to be watchful for signs such as recurring headaches or changes in vision, and to be serious about health checkups, particularly in those with a known family history of such conditions.

Stay vigilant and proactive

The bottom line is straightforward: don't dismiss recurring or atypical neurological symptoms. Follow a healthy lifestyle, don't smoke, monitor blood pressure, and minimize stress. Frequent checkups and early treatment can do much to prevent fatal complications. While these conditions are frightening, with early diagnosis and adequate treatment, they can often be treated. Being vigilant and informed is the best protection against severe brain disorders.

(Dr Sheetal Goyal, consultant neurologist at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central)