[Kok! Health] "My Head Feels Like It's Splitting" Severe Headache Experienced for the First Time, a Warning Sign of 'Cerebral Aneurysm'

Ruptured Cerebral Aneurysm: 3 out of 10 Patients Die... Prompt Treatment Is Crucial

If you experience severe headaches, slurred speech, dizziness, or hemiplegia that you have never felt before, you should promptly seek medical attention from a cerebrovascular disease specialist.

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] Cerebrovascular diseases such as cerebral hemorrhage and cerebral infarction are dangerous illnesses, ranking as the fourth leading cause of death in South Korea. If not treated promptly, they can result in severe aftereffects or death. The number of patients receiving treatment for stroke has been steadily increasing. According to data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, the number of stroke patients rose from 538,443 in 2015 to 639,491 last year. Especially, nearly 80% of these patients are aged 60 or older, making it particularly fatal for the elderly. It is necessary to understand the risks and prevention methods of cerebrovascular diseases, often called "walking time bombs."

Severe headache, dizziness, hemiplegia, and other warning signs of cerebrovascular disease

Cerebrovascular diseases are broadly classified into two types: cerebral hemorrhage caused by blood vessel rupture and cerebral infarction caused by blockage. Together, these are commonly referred to as "stroke." The prognosis for stroke is generally poor. In particular, cerebral hemorrhage caused by ruptured cerebral aneurysms?abnormal bulging of blood vessels due to inflammation and cracks in the vessel walls (subarachnoid hemorrhage)?results in severe aftereffects. About 30% of patients suffer serious neurological sequelae such as cognitive decline and paralysis. Approximately 30% of patients recover normally, but the remaining 30% die.

Cerebral aneurysms are divided into "ruptured" and "unruptured" types. The treatment methods are similar. The prognosis of ruptured cerebral aneurysms depends on the amount of bleeding. Most unruptured cerebral aneurysms are treated with "coil embolization." Coil embolization is a surgical method that accesses the femoral artery, with a success rate of 98-99%. The complication rate is also low, at 2-3%, so most patients with unruptured cerebral aneurysms undergo coil embolization. Occasionally, if coil embolization is difficult, "clipping surgery" via craniotomy is performed.

Professor Gu Haewon of the Neurosurgery Department at Ilsan Paik Hospital is performing "coil embolization," a treatment method for cerebral aneurysms.

Cerebral infarction also leaves serious aftereffects such as consciousness impairment, unilateral paralysis, and speech disorders. Therefore, the "golden time" is crucial for cerebrovascular diseases. To minimize aftereffects and mortality, emergency treatment is needed as soon as possible to remove hematomas, open blocked vessels, and maintain normal intracranial pressure.

The problem is that there are often no warning signs, making it difficult to respond. Professor Koo Hae-won of the Department of Neurosurgery at Ilsan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, stated, "In the case of stroke, initial symptoms are minimal and hard to notice until rupture or blockage occurs. If severe headache, sensory abnormalities, muscle weakness, slurred speech, dizziness, or hemiplegia occur?symptoms indicating a critical condition where the golden time applies?immediate consultation with a cerebrovascular specialist is essential without delay."

To prevent cerebrovascular disease... blood pressure control, quitting smoking and drinking, and exercise

Risk factors that increase the likelihood of cerebrovascular disease include hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. In particular, hypertension can cause blood vessels to rupture due to sudden spikes in blood pressure. Chronic hypertension continuously affects cerebral blood vessels, increasing the risk of stroke compared to healthy individuals. According to statistics from the Ministry of Health and Welfare, 70-88% of cerebral hemorrhage patients have hypertension. Cerebral hemorrhage cases were more frequent in winter or transitional seasons when blood vessels contract and relax repeatedly, but recently, cases occur throughout all seasons.

Most cerebrovascular diseases occur suddenly without warning. The only way to prevent cerebrovascular disease is through regular health checkups and reducing risk factors. Managing underlying conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia is important. Blood pressure should be maintained between 120-130 mmHg, fasting blood glucose below 100 mg/dl, and body fat within normal ranges. Avoid smoking, alcohol, and high-calorie foods, and exercise for more than 30 minutes daily.

Professor Koo Hae-won said, "Since cerebrovascular diseases cause serious aftereffects once they occur, prevention through regular examinations and management of underlying diseases is important. There is no specific recommended age for cerebrovascular screening, but for those with underlying diseases or a family history of cerebrovascular disease, it is recommended to undergo cerebrovascular screening every 2-3 years after age 60."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.