The Trinity Love Hoblit Foundation has announced that Gov. Ron DeSantis has issued a proclamation declaring September “Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month” in the state of Florida.
Compared to other conditions like cardiac arrest and stroke, many people have little awareness about the signs and symptoms of a brain aneurysm. Just like a heart attack or a stroke, a ruptured brain aneurysm is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.
“Awareness is the beginning of prevention,” said Olivia Hoblit, president and founder of the Trinity Love Hoblit Foundation, a Northeast Florida nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness and providing funding for neurological research for brain aneurysms. “September is national Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month, and we are honored that Gov. DeSantis has declared September as Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month here in Florida.”
According to the Brain Aneurysm Foundation, about one in 50 people has an unruptured brain aneurysm and the annual rate of ruptured aneurysms in the United States is about eight to 10 in every 100,000 people, or about 30,000 people a year. Every 18 minutes, a brain aneurysm ruptures. And when it does, death or lifelong disabilities often result. Researchers estimate 6 million Americans have an unruptured brain aneurysm.
“Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month is the ideal time to educate our community about brain aneurysms,” said Hoblit. “In addition, we will hold our annual fundraising event on September 17, 2022, in Amelia Island. The funds raised will help us to continue to meet our mission of supporting and funding neurological research, training and treatment, and raising awareness for brain aneurysms, stroke and other cerebrovascular conditions.”
The accurate and early diagnosis of a ruptured brain aneurysm can greatly affect outcomes. Thanks to medical advancements, treatment for brain aneurysms is more promising today than it was just a few years ago.
Survivors of a ruptured brain aneurysm often experience what they describe as “the worst headache ever.” A sudden, severe headache is a common warning sign that someone may be suffering a ruptured brain aneurysm. Other signs include dilated pupils, blurred vision, pain behind the eye, weakness and numbness and difficulty speaking.
Aneurysm risk factors include: smoking, high blood pressure, family history of brain aneurysm, age over 40, female, person of color and drug use (particularly cocaine).
Sudden warning signs/symptoms include: loss of consciousness, confusion, seizure, nausea and vomiting, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, numbness or weakness and pain behind the eye.
To learn more about brain aneurysms and the foundation, or to donate, go to www.TrinityHoblit.org.
