Dr. Dre survived a brain aneurysm. Here's what you need to know about the life-threatening condition.
- Music mogul Dr. Dre experienced a brain aneurysm on Tuesday, receiving treatment later in the day.
- Brain or cerebral aneurysms occur when a blood vessel in the brain expands because of weak artery walls. The weakening causes a balloon of blood to form.
- When aneurysms burst they can have dangerous consequences like brain damage and death.
- There are few warning signs that someone has an aneurysm before it bursts, but certain risk factors like high blood pressure, heavy drinking, and family history can all act as indicators.
Music mogul and hip hop legend Dr. Dre was treated for a brain aneurysm on Tuesday, later posting he was "doing great" on Instagram. Doctors said they have yet to determine what caused his aneurysm but he is stable for now, TMZ reported.
"I'm doing great and getting excellent care from my medical team," he wrote. "I will be out of the hospital and back home soon."
Here is everything you need to know about the condition.
What is a brain aneurysm?
A cerebral aneurysm (better known as a brain aneurysm) is a condition in which a blood vessel in the brain expands, causing a balloon of blood to develop. The balloon can rupture or leak, which can be life-threatening for 40% of cases.
While an estimated 50% to 80% of aneurysms never rupture, those that do can have devastating consequences.
When an aneurysm bursts, people may experience symptoms like sudden head pain, vomiting, a stiff neck, double vision, and confusion, according to the Mayo Clinic. These types of ruptures can lead to permanent brain damage and death.
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the total number of people in the US living with the condition is unclear because "they don't always cause symptoms." Approximately 30,000 Americans suffer brain aneurysm ruptures each year.
It is estimated that one in 50 people have an unruptured brain aneurysm in the US, according to the Brain aneurysm foundation.
Family history and lifestyle can be the best indicators of possible aneurysms, as there are usually few warning signs
There aren't always tell-tale signs that someone will experience a brain aneurysm. Instead, there are risk categories to look out for.
Genetics and family history oftentimes play a large role in determining whether or not you will experience aneurysms in your lifetime, so experts recommend knowing your family's history with the condition and consulting your doctor accordingly.
Pre-existing conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol could also be warning signs, as both are associated with weakening arterial walls, which can lead to blood vessels ballooning.
Smoking, heavy drinking, and drug use can also weaken your arteries and make you more vulnerable to aneurysms.
Other risk factors include age and sex, as brain aneurysms usually rupture between the ages of 30 to 60 and are more commonly experienced by women.
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