It was a typical Monday for Latina entrepreneur and mother of two, Angela Sustaita-Ruiz. She was wrapping up a Zoom meeting when she says she experienced the worst headache in he’ life. She didn’t know it at the time, but she was in a life-threatening situation. And what started as an ordinary weekday in 2022 would alter the course of her world forever.
“The pain was sudden and severe, moving from the back of my head to my forehead, followed by neck stiffness and nausea,” she recalls.
With her family’s help, she immediately went to the hospital. Within 20 minutes, she was receiving care. “It was the most terrifying moment of my life. I was overwhelmed by the uncertainty and the realization that my life was in danger,” Sustaita-Ruiz says, two years later. “I know I’m profoundly blessed to have survived without permanent neurological damage.”
Sustaita-Ruiz is right. The hospital MRI tests revealed that she had suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm, and time was of the essence. Had she ignored her symptoms, she would have died. In fact, about 50 percent of ruptured aneurysm cases like hers are fatal.
“I’m lucky to be alive,” Sustaita-Ruiz says. “Now I want to use what I’ve learned to help others.”
Many people, like Sustaita-Ruiz, are unaware of their condition until it’s almost too late. That’s why, in the effort to save lives through education and early detection, September was designated Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month. It’s a time to spotlight the silent symptoms, share survivor stories, and push for better access to screenings and research.
What is a Brain Aneurysm?
What makes brain aneurysms particularly dangerous is that they often present no symptoms. Every September, Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month focuses on educating the public about these risks and the importance of early detection. With approximately 3.2 percent of the global population at risk, preventive measures and understanding the condition are critical, especially for higher-risk groups like Latinos.
But what exactly is a brain aneurysm? In simple terms, it is a weak spot on an artery in the brain that balloons out and fills with blood. This can put dangerous pressure on surrounding nerves or brain tissue. If it ruptures, it can cause life-threatening bleeding, leading to severe complications or death.
The Impact on Hispanic Men and Women
“Brain aneurysms are estimated to be 25 percent more common in the Latino community with approximately twice the risk of rupture,” Dr. Robert Wicks, M.D., Co-Director of Cerebrovascular Surgery of the Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute.
Several factors contribute to this heightened risk for Latinos, particularly Latinas over 55.
“One of the most common risk factors for aneurysm progression is uncontrolled hypertension. Studies have shown that Hispanic Americans may be more likely to have undiagnosed, untreated, or uncontrolled hypertension,” Dr. Wicks says. “Hypertension is high blood pressure. It’s defined as a condition where the pressure in your blood vessels is consistently too high.”
Dr. Wicks also notes that genetics can play a role, especially in patients with conditions like polycystic kidney disease or connective tissue disorders, such as Ehlers Danlos syndrome.
“The majority of aneurysms occur spontaneously but are treatable,” Dr. Wicks adds.
With increased awareness, more Latinos can take proactive steps to monitor their health, manage hypertension, and reduce their risk before a brain aneurysm becomes life-threatening.
Raising Awareness
Today,Sustaita-Ruiz is a passionate advocate, raising awareness about brain aneurysms in the Latino community and beyond.
This past spring, she joined over 120 advocates from 25 states on Capitol Hill, in Washington, D.C., for Brain Aneurysm Advocacy Day to fight for Ellie’s Law, a bipartisan bill that would increase federal funding for brain aneurysm research.
She also shares her experience through interviews and public speaking, leveraging her media platforms, like Nuestro Stories, to raise awareness. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing symptoms and seeking immediate medical attention. By discussing her journey and recovery, she says she aims to inspire others to take symptoms seriously, seek help, and increase awareness within the Hispanic community.
“I was incredibly fortunate to make a full recovery,” Sustaita-Ruiz says. “Sadly, that’s not the norm.”
Recognizing the Symptoms
Brain aneurysms often develop with little to no warning until they rupture. However, when symptoms do appear, they may include:
Sudden, severe headache (often described as “the worst headache of your life”)
Neck pain or stiffness
Nausea and vomiting
Sensitivity to light
Blurred or double vision
Loss of consciousness
Lowering the Risk
While some brain aneurysms cannot be prevented, certain lifestyle changes can help lower the risk of developing one or reduce the risk of rupture:
Monitor Your Blood Pressure: High blood pressure is a major risk factor for brain aneurysms. Regular check-ups and managing hypertension through lifestyle changes and/ or medication are essential.
Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle: Maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption can all reduce your risk.
Manage Stress: Chronic stress contributes to high blood pressure and other health problems. Taking breaks from work, practicing relaxation techniques, and ensuring adequate sleep are crucial for overall well-being.
The post ‘I Thought It Was Just a Headache. It Turned Out to Be a Ruptured Brain Aneurysm. appeared first on Nuestro Stories.