Salman Khan health news: Brain aneurysm symptoms and causes, ways to prevent it

Salman Khan health: Causes of brain aneurysm include high blood pressure, smoking, poor diet, and genetic predisposition. Women are slightly more at risk than men

When Bollywood actor Salman Khan opened up about his experience with a brain aneurysm, it became a viral news across social media. However,  beyond the headlines lies a serious medical condition that remains largely misunderstood by many.

Brain aneurysms can strike without warning, especially after the age of 40, and if not detected early, can be life-threatening.

A brain aneurysm occurs when a weak spot in a blood vessel in the brain balloons or bulges. “Think of it like a balloon expanding due to pressure, it can rupture and cause internal bleeding in the brain,” explains Dr Praveen Gupta, Chairman, MAIINS, Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram. “When it ruptures, it leads to what’s known as a subarachnoid haemorrhage, which can result in brain damage or even death,” he says.

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Risks of brain aneurysm

Says Dr Gupta, “While brain aneurysms can occur at any age, they are more common in people over 40. Nevertheless, we often see cases in younger individuals too, especially between 20 and 30 years, if there’s a family history,” He reveals that the contributing factors include high blood pressure, smoking, poor diet, and genetic predisposition. Women are slightly more at risk than men.

Symptoms of brain aneurysm:

• Spot thunderclap headaches: These are sudden, intense headaches that feel like a bolt of lightning. “It’s the most classic symptom,” Dr Gupta notes. If it’s the worst headache of your life, seek medical help immediately.

• Watch out for blurry vision: Double vision, or loss of clarity in your eyesight, may be a sign that pressure is building inside the brain.

• Feel for tingling: An odd tingling sensation or numbness in your limbs can sometimes be related to nerve pressure caused by an aneurysm.

• Be alert to neck stiffness: “People often mistake this for a muscle spasm,” says Dr Gupta. But neck stiffness, especially with headache, can signal something more serious.

• Understand the role of genetics: If aneurysms run in your family, don’t ignore vague or recurring symptoms. A CT, MRI, or brain angiography can detect hidden issues.

• Keep your blood pressure in check: Hypertension puts tremendous pressure on blood vessel walls. Dr Gupta recommends regular monitoring and medication, if needed.

• Quit smoking, today: Smoking weakens blood vessels over time and greatly increases the risk of aneurysms. It’s one of the most preventable factors.

• Maintain a low-salt diet: Too much sodium can silently raise blood pressure. Eat fresh, whole foods and reduce packaged or processed meals.

• Exercise regularly: Daily physical activity improves circulation, reduces stress, and helps keep your brain and heart in sync.

• Prioritise quality sleep: “Sleep is not a luxury, it’s a necessity,” Dr Gupta reminds. Lack of rest can raise your risk factors.