Aneurysm
An aneurysm is an abnormal ballooning of a portion of an artery that weakens the wall of the blood vessel. It commonly occurs in the heart’s aorta, the brain, legs, intestines or spleen. Defects in the artery wall, high blood pressure, cholesterol buildup or congenital weaknesses may be responsible and in some cases, pregnancy. While swelling along with a throbbing mass is often seen, aneurysms within the body or brain usually have no symptoms. In the case of rupture, low blood pressure, high heart rate, and lightheadedness may occur. Physical and ultrasound examination as well as a CT scan are frequently used to evaluate aneurysms. Surgery is generally recommended with an excellent prognosis. In some cases, an endovascular stent is used to prop open a vessel. Control of high blood pressure as well as risk factors associated with atherosclerotic disease (diet, exercise, cholesterol control) may help prevent aneurysms or their complications.
Brain Aneurysm Support Group
The Brain Aneurysm Foundation and Florida Hospital Neuroscience Institute continue to offer Brain Aneurysm Support Group meetings at Florida Hospital Orlando. Harold Fernandez, MD, Brain Aneurysm Foundation-Florida, Director, and one of the neuro nurses will facilitate the meeting. The support group is for survivors of brain aneurysms, caregivers, family, and friends. For more information, go to www.bafound.org or contact Laurie.Schott@flhosp.org or Dr. Harold Fernandez at bafoundflorida@hotmail.com.
Brain Anueurysm Support Group Meetings for 2010
Jun. 2: Florida Hospital Orlando, 601 East Rollins St., Orlando, FL 32804, Barkers C/D Conference Rooms, 4:30pm-6:30pm
Aug. 4: Florida Hospital Orlando, 601 East Rollins St., Orlando, FL 32804, Barkers C/D Conference Rooms, 4:30pm-6:30pm
Oct. 6: Florida Hospital Orlando, 601 East Rollins St., Orlando, FL 32804, Barkers C/D Conference Rooms, 4:30pm-6:30pm
Dec. 1: Florida Hospital Orlando, 601 East Rollins St., Orlando, FL 32804, Barkers C/D Conference Rooms, 4:30pm-6:30pm
To learn more about aneurysms and the treatment options available, contact us.