SENATE HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES AND SENIOR CITIZENS COMMITTEE

 

STATEMENT TO

 

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION No. 98

 

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

 

DATED:  SEPTEMBER 24, 2018

 

      The Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee reports favorably Senate Joint Resolution No. 98.

      This joint resolution designates September of each year as “Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month” in New Jersey to bring awareness to the signs of and risks associated with brain aneurysms, methods of screening and early detection, and prevention and treatment options.

      Over six million Americans have unruptured brain aneurysms. Many people may be unaware they have an aneurysm as unruptured brain aneurysms typically do not manifest symptoms. However, large unruptured aneurysms may show certain symptoms.

      Ruptured brain aneurysms annually affect 40,000 people in the United States, with 50 percent of those people dying within days. Of those who survive ruptured brain aneurysms, one-third will die within months, one-third will suffer from major neurological deficits, and one-third will be able to return to a way of life similar to that prior to the rupture. Symptoms for a ruptured brain aneurysm include sudden and severe headache, often described as the “worst headache of someone’s life;” sensitivity to light; neck stiffness; sharp pain behind or above one eye; blurred or double vision; numbness and tightening in the face; loss of consciousness; confusion or change of mental status; seizure; perceived “gunshot” noise or extremely loud “boom;” drooping eyelid; and nausea and vomiting. Notably, in the event of the sudden, “worst headache of life,” it is imperative that a person go to the hospital immediately.

      Knowing the symptoms, risk factors, early detection methods, and treatment options for brain aneurysms can save lives.