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Scientists Reveal How to Train Your Brain To Prevent Unwanted Thoughts

November 17, 2017 by Power of Positivity

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have identified a key chemical within the brain that allows us to suppress unwanted (intrusive) thoughts.

Dr. Michael Anderson, a neuroscience professor, and his team of researchers at the University of Cambridge discovered this chemical within the brain region responsible for memory formation.

“Our ability to control our thoughts is fundamental to our well-being. When this capacity breaks down, it causes some of the most debilitating symptoms of psychiatric diseases.” ~ Professor Michael Anderson, University of Cambridge

Further, the research helps explain why individuals with certain mental health conditions – e.g., anxiety, depression, PTSD, and schizophrenia – often contend with continuously invasive thoughts.

The ability to control thoughts is crucial to mental and physical well-being, says Professor Anderson:

“When this capacity breaks down, it causes some of the most debilitating symptoms of psychiatric diseases: intrusive memories, images, hallucinations, ruminations, and pathological and consistent worries. These are all key symptoms of mental illnesses such as PTSD, schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety.”

In many ways, the ability to halt negative thinking is akin to that physical restraint. “We wouldn’t be able to survive without controlling our actions,” says Anderson. “We have lots of quick reflexes that are often useful, but we need to control these actions and stop them from happening.”

Anderson assumes that us humans also have a “similar mechanism” for stopping unwanted thoughts.

The Prefrontal Cortex, or PFC, supports our “executive function” brain area. The PFC connects to planning complex behaviors, paying attention, critical thinking, solving problems, self-awareness, decision-making, social cognition, and working memory.

The PFC can also be considered the brain’s “control center,” regulating other brain regions such as the motor cortex and hippocampus.

It wasn’t until recently that an area of the PFC was discovered to also play an essential role in stopping unwanted thoughts.

The Study

Anderson’s research was published in Nature Communications on November 3, 2017.

Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (measures brain chemistry), researchers observed participants’ brains as they attempted to suppress their thoughts on a given task.

Spectroscopy feedback showed that “the ability to inhibit unwanted thoughts relies on a neurotransmitter – a chemical within the brain that allows messages to pass between cells – known as GABA.”

GABA is the brain’s primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, which helps to regulate the activity of exhibitory (‘excitatory’) transmitters, e.g., glutamate and dopamine.

Here is a summation of Anderson’s findings, point by point:

GABA concentrations within the hippocampus, the brain area responsible for memory formation, determines a person’s ability to inhibit unwanted thoughts.
Suppressing unwanted thoughts depends “as much” on PFC activity as the hippocampus. (This bucks the trend, as most neuroscientists focus on the PFC for such roles.)
People with lower concentrations of GABA within the hippocampus “were less able to suppress (activity) by the prefrontal cortex,” suppressing thought at a much lower rate.
The study’s discoveries may lead to additional insights – and potential treatment options – for schizophrenia. (Schizophrenics display hyperactivity in the hippocampus, which is thought responsible for hallucinations and other intrusive symptoms.)

Scientists Reveal How to Train Your Brain To Prevent Unwanted Thoughts

Boosting GABA levels:

As Anderson’s research is very recent, potential treatments have not yet been examined. However, correcting a GABA deficiency, a neurochemical imbalance, can help suppress unwanted thoughts.

For those dealing with invasive thoughts, increasing the levels of GABA in the brain may help. Fortunately, there are plenty of natural ways to do this.

Here are a few known GABA boosters:

Exercise: Increasing your heart rate can boost your GABA levels. Brisk walking or running three to four times per week may contribute to higher levels of GABA.
Meditation: Quieting your busy mind and focusing on deep breaths may help increase GABA levels. Try meditating for ten to fifteen minutes to start.
Yoga: Focusing on the present moment may help boost GABA levels. Additionally, yoga focuses on deep breathing, which helps reduce stress and anxiety.
Proper Diet: Avoid soft drinks, MSG, and processed foods as much as possible. Instead, eat foods rich in glutamic acid, a building block of GABA.

Foods high in glutamic acid include:

Almonds and walnuts
Bananas
Beef liver
Broccoli
Brown rice
Halibut
Lentils
Oats
Citrus fruits
Potato
Rice bran
Spinach

11 Signs You’re In A Bad Relationship (But Don’t Want to Admit It)

November 17, 2017 by Power of Positivity

Being in a harmful or toxic relationship is often something that we don’t realize that we’re in until we’re out of it. Bad relationships can invade every other aspect of our lives, from friendships to family relationships. They can make you feel depressed or anxious for no reason.

Marriage & family therapist and author Darlene Lancer, JD, MFT says, “Healthy relationships nourish and support us. A toxic relationship, on the other hand, is like poison to us — instead of lifting us up, it makes us feel worse. When it ends, we might experience post-traumatic stress or a lessening of self-esteem and trust in ourselves and others.”

When you’re in a bad relationship, you’re probably ignoring all the signs – it’s what we do as humans to protect ourselves. If you’re in a toxic relationship, you may notice these signs pointing toward a dire situation you don’t want to admit.

Here Are 11 Signs You’re In A Bad Relationship

“A Poisonous relationship can alter our perception. You can spend many years thinking you’re worthless. But you’re not worthless. You’re underappreciated.” – Steve Maraboli

1. You’re wondering if your relationship is bad

One of the first signs that you’re not actually in a good relationship is questioning whether or not your relationship is bad because “This is your subconscious telling you something,” says Relationship expert and couples therapist Nicole McCance.

You may have rough patches in normal relationships but aren’t constantly wondering if your relationship is bad. But a bad relationship will have you wondering if your relationship is garbage – and that’s the first sign that you should be looking critically at your relationship.

2. You don’t feel like a priority

Does your partner put you first when you need it? Does your partner seem like the kind of person who will drop everything and help you when it’s really important? If not, then you’re probably in a relationship where you don’t feel like a priority to your partner. While we can’t always be top priorities, you should feel your partner cares about you.

3. If they don’t want to do something, then you can’t do it either

In a relationship, you sometimes have to do things you don’t want to do because it’s important to your partner, or because you want to make them happy. You may go see a movie you’re not interested in because your partner likes it. But in a bad relationship, if your partner doesn’t want to do something, then you probably won’t be allowed to do it either. If your partner doesn’t want to go to a movie, you’ll probably not be able to see it.

In a toxic relationship, “… you are constantly put down, criticised and forced to do what is unacceptable to you and your values. When your autonomy in thoughts, words, and decisions is taken away and you start actually believing and accepting that you have no choice in any matter,” says psychotherapist and relationship counselor Dr. Minnu Bhonsle Ph.D.

4. Your friends and family dislike your partner

You have probably been on the other end of this situation. A friend or family member has been in a bad relationship, and you didn’t like their partner. If you’re suddenly on the opposite side of that, you may want to take your friends and family’s concern seriously. If your partner isn’t well-liked, it might be for a reason.

5. Their problems are your problems

And your problems … are also your problems. This is a red flag. When your partner wants you to help with all of their problems, but doesn’t want to help you with yours, this is a sign that your relationship is just plain bad. You need to have a relationship where both partners help each other equally.

6. You don’t trust them

If your significant other is working late or hanging out with their friends, you’re suddenly worried about what they’re doing. You may be trying to tell yourself there’s no reason to worry, but … if you’re worried, it’s probably for a good reason.

Clinical psychologist Joshua Klapow, Ph.D., says, “When there is no trust there is no foundation. You can’t address communication issues, compatibility issues, and intimacy issues if there is no trust. If you fundamentally don’t trust your partner on any level, the relationship is poisoned.”

You shouldn’t have to worry about what your partner is up to in a good and healthy relationship.

7. You’re happier when they’re not around

If your partner goes on a trip or leaves for the night, you may feel a huge rush of relief. And that’s not normal!

“If you’re all that excited to have a weekend alone, consider that the reason for your joy is that they’re draining you when they’re around. You should be happy to have a break, but not that happy,” says relationship expert and author April Masini.

You may try to tell yourself that you’re an introvert, but the truth is that you’re just happier when your partner isn’t around. This is the biggest sign of an unhappy or bad relationship.

8. You pay for everything

You’re always paying for food, bills, rent, entertainment, and furniture… no matter what it is. Your partner have you not seen a dime. This is a big sign that you’re being used, and being used is a sign that you’re in a bad situation.

9. You’re constantly worried about breaking up

No matter what kind of disagreement you have, you are always worried about breaking up. You could disagree about what to have for dinner, or whose family’s house to go to for Christmas. Whatever the disagreement is, it always seems to spiral out of control to an argument that feels like the end of your love.

10. They’re always mentally elsewhere

When you’re spending time together, your partner seems like they’re just mentally distant. They’re not engaging with you or the things you’re doing together. They may always be on their phone or sound or look bored. You may think it’s just you, but that’s false. This is a red flag that you’re in a bad relationship and it’s time to move on.

11. You’re trying to remember the good times

When things get bad, you’re always trying to remember when things were good. This may be only the first few months of the relationship, or they may be only certain snippets of time. This is a sign that the situation is bad and doesn’t show any sign of getting better.

“If you’re starting to have thoughts like, ‘This is not like it used to be,’ ‘This is not what I signed up for,’ or ‘This doesn’t feel good anymore,’ it is possible that what was a good relationship has turned toxic. If you find that your partner doesn’t feel much like a partner or lover any longer—and he or she is bringing you down more than lifting you up, you need to rethink your relationship.” says love expert Sofia Milan.

Therefore, if you’re not looking forward to more good times and are only looking back, you might need to accept that the situation is bad.

Final Thoughts on Your Involvement in a Toxic Relationship

Bad relationships are hard to accept, especially in the middle of one.

“If you are experiencing a toxic relationship, then you likely move in and out of a state of denial about how unhealthy it truly is. At one moment you feel revulsion and at another you are making excuses and justifying your partner’s intolerable behavior,” says relationship expert, psychologist and author Jill P. Weber, Ph.D.

Admitting to yourself that your relationship is bad or toxic is one of the first steps to take in order to escape them. If your relationship sounds a lot like this list, it may be time to start considering that it’s time to leave the situation and find someone who appreciates you.

7 Early Warning Signs of A Dying Relationship

November 17, 2017 by Power of Positivity

“You don’t walk away to prove your worth. You walk away because you allowed someone else to dictate your value and you found yourself believing it.” – Shannon L. Alder

Relationships can be a lot of work, and keeping them running can mean a lot of stress for the individuals in a relationship. When a relationship is good and healthy, all of that work and stress is working towards a common and shared goal and “It’s important to remember that all couples have perpetual problems and can develop tools to deal with them,” says licensed clinical social worker Terry Gaspard, MSW, LICSW.

However, when a relationship becomes more work than fun, it can mean it is slowly dying. “In other words, if you can’t talk about the hard things, you’ll also feel less warmth and affection; and over time less fondness and admiration for your partner,” adds Gaspard.

Has your relationship been through a rough patch lately that doesn’t seem to end? You may want to check out these signs of a dying relationship and see if it’s time to let the relationship go – for your sake and your partner’s.

Here Are 7 Signs Of A Dying Relationship

1. You don’t talk about personal things anymore

At the beginning of the relationship, maybe you discussed your hopes, dreams, and serious issues in your life. But now, it seems like all of your conversations are rehearsed and rehashed small talk. You’re no longer discussing real, emotional things and instead, seem to only talk about how your day went and what to have for dinner.

“When you share your struggles and difficulties you not only strengthen your bond through your vulnerability but you also set the precedence for an open and nonjudgmental relationship for the future,” says life and wellness coach Dana Peters.

Therefore, it’s clear that the relationship starts to die when there’s nothing left to talk about.

2. You’re never on the same page

When a relationship is dying, your values are no longer as aligned as they once were. “Disagreements turn toxic when your partner can’t even understand where your opinion is coming from,” says relationship coach and author Kira Asatryan.

Perhaps you grew up into two different people than you had been when you first started dating or when you first got married. Important things that mean a lot to you no longer mean the same to your partner, or vice versa. “… disagreeing without understanding the other person’s perspective indicates a deep lack of understanding of the other person… in general. And somebody who doesn’t understand you will not make a great long-term partner,” adds Asatryan.

Whatever the issue, you can never seem to agree.

3. You complain about the same things

The sink is broken. They don’t pick up their laundry. You leave hair in the drain. Whatever the issue, the complaint arises over and over, and it never gets fixed. This means that you and your partner are no longer actively trying to make the other happy. The things that upset you go in one ear and out of the other. When this happens, a relationship starts to die.

4. You argue more often

At the beginning of your relationship, maybe everything was so happy and wonderful that you never argued at all. But now, it seems like all you do is argue. And the arguments are all about mundane or superficial things … or, maybe they’re the exact same argument that you’ve been having for years that never seems to have an end, and there’s no way to resolve.

“As couples get to know each other better, there should be a progression toward more understanding and less misunderstanding,” says psychoanalyst Sue Kolod, PhD. Therefore, more arguments mean that there’s less compromise, which means the relationship is dying.

5. You want more space

When your partner visits their parents, or goes on a business trip, you get a huge sense of relief at having space to yourself. You no longer miss your partner during the day like you once did, and you feel your need for “space” increasing more frequently.

“If you’re all that excited to have a weekend alone, consider that the reason for your joy is that they’re draining you when they’re around,” says relationship expert April Masini. Wanting more space is a huge, red flag of a dying relationship when you no longer want to be around your partner, or are happier when they’re not around.

6. You don’t feel like yourself

When you’re around your partner, do you feel more anxious, depressed or uncomfortable than you used to? Are you no longer the happy, talkative person that you once were? A dying relationship can make you feel all kinds of upset and negative emotions, and you suddenly no longer feel like yourself anymore. Maybe your friends and family notice that your personality has begun to change. This is a sign that a relationship is on its last leg.

7. You’re unsure about your future

When thinking about your future, are you suddenly no longer envisioning yourself with them by your side? Has your small family home in the suburbs suddenly turned into a vision of a studio in New York? If you no longer think about them in your future, it may be a sign that they’re not destined to be there. A dying relationship will no longer feel like something that you can look forward to in the future.

Final Thoughts on Understanding the Signs of a Dying Relationship

While we all want to keep our relationships as happy and healthy as possible, sometimes two people just don’t work out in a relationship. And that’s okay! No matter how long you’ve been together, there’s always a chance that you both need to move on from one another. If that is the case, knowing the early warning signs of a dying relationship will allow you to move on, or work on fixing it if that is something you and your partner want to do.

10 Behaviors Women Show When They’re With Their True Love

November 17, 2017 by Power of Positivity

How do you know when a woman is truly in love? Some seem so elusive that you never know, while others practically throw themselves at you.

World’s top relationship development expert, AJ Harbinger, says, “Love isn’t just a bunch of chemicals, but brain chemistry plays a vital role in why we feel the way we feel about other people. And when we feel good things, there’s usually a lot of dopamine involved.

When women fall in love, their bodies also produce norepinephrine and phenylethylamine. These increase focus while creating a sense of euphoria. That’s why women often focus on one man to the exclusion of other things when they’re falling in love.”

Falling in love with a woman can be one of the most wonderful and exciting things that happens in your life.

The problem may be figuring out if a woman is in love with you, too. Whether you’re beginning a relationship, or whether you’re in a long-term relationship, women will exhibit the same kind of behaviors when they have fallen in love with you.

Here Are 10 Behaviors A Woman Exhibits When She’s In Love

1. Shy behavior

A woman who is in love with you will start to be unusually shy. As opposed to hanging out with friends and other men she isn’t in love with, she may be much more outgoing and boisterous.

If she’s in love with you, you might find that she is more likely to avoid eye contact, giggle when you speak to her, and have a hard time communicating with you.

2. She gives you presents

Sure, getting presents on your birthday or holidays is pretty standard. But when a woman is in love with you, you may find that she gives you presents more often.

They’re not always big presents, but they’re often very special and heartfelt. If you find that a woman you know or are casually dating brings you presents often and without reason, it’s probably a sign that she’s deeply in love.

3. Acting slightly childish

If a woman is in love with you, she may begin to exhibit some strange behavior. She wants to be seen as cute in front of the person that she loves, and being cute is often hand-in-hand with being slightly childish.

According to TellYouAll, “They will not hesitate to raise their tone of their voice, scream, jump around, or giggle loudly to draw your attention. Note also their speaking style, which at first glance would sound warmer just like a small child.” She may also act innocent in a childlike way.

4. Interested in your life

A woman who is in love with you will take an interest in your life. She wants to know about your day, past, hopes, and dreams. She isn’t just asking to be polite, either. Indeed, she is genuinely interested in your life, what you think and feel, and your opinions on things.

According to YourTango, “You clearly already caught her interest if she’s asking (assuming she’s not just making small talk to be polite) and engaging in conversation. It’s just a step to determine if you’re a compatible partner for her.”

If she is asking many questions and taking an interest in your life, then it’s probably a sign that she’s genuinely in love with you.

5. She starts the conversation

Whether she’s messaging you online, sending you a text, or seeking you out to start talking, a woman in love with you is more likely to start the conversation.

Sometimes, you may find that she’s always sending you the first text, or is the one who’s calling you on the phone. These are behaviors of a woman who wants to talk to you.

6. Shows interest in what you do

Do you have a boring job? A weird hobby? It doesn’t matter what you do for a living or what you do during your free time; a woman who is in love with you will think that the things you do are the most interesting things on the planet.

She loves to listen to you talk about what you do for a living, or talk about your favorite hobbies and interests. A woman in love with you is interested in even the most boring details of your day.

7. She wants to look good

Making a good impression is important to a woman when she’s in love with someone. One of the first impressions that someone can make is with their physical appearance.

That means if a woman is always looking her best whenever you’re around her, she’s probably trying to impress you with her looks.

8. Always looks happy

When you walk into the room, does her expression change? Does she light up when she sees you? If so, it’s a sign that she’s falling for you. A woman who isn’t interested in someone is rarely going to look excited every time they walk into the room.

Pay attention to the way she smiles and the light in her eyes every time you’re around – if she looks like you’re her whole world, then you probably have a woman in love.

9. She can’t look you in the eyes

Maintaining eye contact is something that many people do when they’re feeling confident. But a woman in love with you may struggle to maintain eye contact.

After all, eyes are a window to the soul. When a woman has difficulty keeping eye contact, it’s a sign that she’s in love with you and is too shy to show it.

10. Pays attention to your needs and wants

She’s always aware of what you need, whether it’s an ear to listen or someone to offer advice. A woman in love with you will have no problem keeping your wants and needs at the forefront of her mind, and she will be happy to help you with whatever you need.

Final Thoughts on Knowing When a Woman is Truly in Love

Women show their emotions in different ways than men do, and when they fall in love, they can exhibit a type of behavior that makes it obvious … but only if you know what to look for! If you’re with a woman and want to figure out if she’s deeply in love with you, you’ll want to look for these specific behaviors.

“True love doesn’t happen right away; it’s an ever-growing process. It develops after you’ve gone through many ups and downs, when you’ve suffered together, cried together, laughed together.” – Ricardo Montalban

5 Behaviors Men Who Are Still ‘Boys’ Display In Their Relationships

November 17, 2017 by Power of Positivity

When we enter an adult relationship, we often assume that our partner is going to have the same adult experiences that we do – that is to say, they’re going to be as mature as we are. Unfortunately, there seems to be a lot of situations where women enter relationships with men who just haven’t seemed to grow up, and when this happens, the woman is often tasked with trying to raise her “man child” boyfriend. If this seems familiar to you, you may want to check out these signs to see if you’re in a relationship with a man child. If so, you may want to figure out what you want to do moving forward. Settle? Or find someone more your mental age?

Here are 5 behaviors of a man like this in a relationship…

“When people do not fully grow up, they farm out the hard work of adulthood to those closest to them.” – Dr. Jill Weber

1. You have to pick up after him

He cannot pick up his clothes, his gadgets, his dishes, nothing. You may find that you’re constantly cleaning up after him, no matter what. You’re picking up his dirty laundry and putting it in the hamper, or you’re cleaning up his dirty dishes and putting them in the sick. He just leaves behind a whirlwind of dirty garbage behind him and you’re the one left to play maid.

“When people do not fully grow up, they farm out the hard work of adulthood to those closest to them. It can be subtle, but if you are making excuses, stop and reflect on why you’re picking up after a grown man?” says author Jill P. Weber.

You shouldn’t be playing mother or maid to your significant other, so if you notice that you’re the only one keeping the apartment clean, this may be a red flag that you’re actually dating a man-child.

2. He panics at the mention of commitment

You notice that any time you discuss commitment, or god forbid children, he doesn’t look like he’s interested in the conversation. In fact, he may even look panicked. After all, a man-child may find having to grow up to have his own children or commit to his partner one of the worst things that could ever happen to him. Of course, you always deserve someone who is on your same page when it comes to commitment, or what you want to happen in the future.

“Adults plan futures, strategize how they can reach those future goals, and take action now in service of those goals. [They] can’t think too far ahead because they are incapable of seeing their future selves in a clear light,” says psychologist and radio host Dr. Cooper Lawrence.

Therefore, if your partner can’t seem to stomach even a little talk of the future, it might be a red flag.

3. You have to nag him

Nobody likes to be a nag, and nobody likes to nag, either. But you may find that you are always nagging him about things, everything from doing the dishes to cleaning up the living room. He tells you that he’s going to do something, and you have to keep reminding him and reminding him, but in the end … he just doesn’t do it, and then he’s apologizing, or getting on your case about being such a nag. You always end up disappointed. If this sounds like your relationship, then it’s a big sign that you’re probably dating a man child.

4. He always avoids serious conversation

If there’s something wrong in your relationship, your first instinct may be to sit down with your partner and have a serious conversation about it. However, when you’re in a relationship with a man child, you’re probably going to find that he avoids serious conversations like the plague. When you try to bring something serious up, “he makes a joke, changes the topic, looks at his phone, or turns the tables on you by telling you what you are doing wrong in the relationship,” adds Dr. Weber.

You will probably never actually get to the point of the conversation, because the last thing that your man-child partner wants is to address his bad behavior.

5. He’s still stuck in middle school

If you’re with your partner and it feels like his interests haven’t evolved since middle school, you might very well be dating a man-child. He seems to always want to play pranks, and only enjoys toilet humor, and all of his interests and hobbies revolve around things that he was interested in as a child. He may not even know how to have an adult conversation without making jokes or trying to antagonize you. You may start to feel like his mother rather than his significant other. This is a big red flag that you’re in a relationship with a man-child.

Final thoughts

Adult women want relationships with adult men. Unfortunately, for men, it seems more acceptable for them to take longer to grow up, which leaves many women in relationships with men who are still reliving their childhood glory days. If you find that your partner is exhibiting all of the signs of a man-child, then it may very well be time to either issue an ultimatum or find an adult who’s ready to act like it.

References:
http://stylecaster.com/signs-of-an-immature-man/
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/having-sex-wanting-intimacy/201510/5-signs-you-might-really-be-dating-man-child

Brain Aneurysm: Early Signs, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

November 17, 2017 by Sarah Barkley

A brain aneurysm is a scary situation that most people know little about. Although the condition is well-known, the details aren’t always clear. So many don’t understand the symptoms, diagnosis methods, or treatment options. Knowing the details can help save a life, whether it is yours or someone else’s.

The pain from an aneurysm compares to a severe migraine. People that experience migraines explain that the normal things that relieve them don’t help for an aneurysm. While ruptured aneurysms are rare, unruptured aneurysms affect millions worldwide, so you should know the details.

You might need treatment for an unruptured brain aneurysm as it can rupture in the future. A rupture is life-threatening and can affect people of any age.

If you think you have an aneurysm, getting medical care right away is essential. Don’t ignore the symptoms if your regular headache relieving methods don’t work.

What Is a Brain Aneurysm?

A brain aneurysm, subarachnoid hemorrhage, is an abnormal, weak spot in the wall of a blood vessel. As the weak area gets worn out, it bulges, and if it bursts, it can cause internal bleeding or death.

Aneurysms typically occur where blood vessels branch off because those parts are weaker. They are also most commonly found at the base of the brain.

There are a few different types of aneurysms, including saccular, fusiform, and dissecting. A saccular aneurysm forms a sac outside the main artery that looks like a berry and is sometimes dome-shaped. According to Stanford Health Care, almost 90% of aneurysms are saccular.

A fusiform aneurysm causes the artery to bulge and widens all the way around, but this type is rare. The last type, a dissecting aneurysm, is a tear in one of the artery’s linings. It causes blood to leak into the other areas and bulge, or it can block the artery.

An aneurysm can rupture or leak, causing brain bleeding. Ruptures typically occur in the space between the brain and the tissue that covers it. When an aneurysm ruptures, it can quickly become life-threatening.

What Are the Early Symptoms of a Brain Aneurysm?

The symptoms for a ruptured and unruptured are different, and knowing both is essential.

Symptoms of a Ruptured Aneurysm

a drooping eyelid
blurred or double vision
confusion
loss of consciousness
vomiting and nausea
seizure
light sensitivity
extreme, severe, and sudden headache
stiff neck
loss of balance
dilated pupils

Symptoms of an Unruptured Aneurysm

dilated pupils (sometimes just one)
double vision or change in vision
numbness on one side of the face
pain behind and above one eye
sometimes, no symptoms occur
headache
difficulty speaking

What Causes a Brain Aneurysm?

While the exact causes are unknown, researchers have found some connections. Many factors can contribute to the weakness in an artery wall, increasing the risk of an aneurysm or rupture. Some risks develop over time, others are present at birth, and some result from brain injuries.

When a brain injury causes an aneurysm, it tears the tissue and creates a dissecting aneurysm. Additionally, a severe infection in your body that damages the arteries can cause it.

The American Heart Association explains that excessive exercise, caffeine consumption, straining during bowel movements, intense anger, becoming startled, and sexual intercourse can trigger an aneurysm.

What Are the Risk Factors of a Brain Aneurysm?

There are quite a few risk factors, including the following things:

Being Over the Age of 40: While people of any age can have an aneurysm, those over 40 have the highest risk. As you get older, the risk continues to increase.
Inherited Connective Tissue Disorders: Some connective tissue disorders inherited at birth can weaken blood vessels. One condition that does this is Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
Polycystic Kidney Disease: This kidney disease is an inherited disorder that causes fluid-filled sacs in the kidneys. These sacs typically increase blood pressure, creating more wear on your arteries.
Abnormally Narrow Aorta: This condition is also called coarctation of the aorta, affecting oxygen flow. The aorta is a large blood vessel that delivers oxygenated blood from the heart to the body.
Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformation: Also known as brain AVM, this malformation is an abnormal connection between arteries and veins in the brain. It disrupts normal blood flow between them, resulting in an aneurysm.
Family History: Those with a family history of aneurysms have an increased risk. The risk is higher if the family member is a first-degree relative, including a parent, brother, sister, or child.
High Blood Pressure: Anytime your blood pressure increases, it causes more wear on your arteries. Over time, it can create a weak spot and bulge.
Atherosclerosis: This disease occurs when fat builds up inside the walls of your arteries. It blocks the blood vessels that deliver oxygenated blood throughout your body.
Lifestyle Choices: Some of your lifestyle choices can cause an aneurysm, including cigarette smoking and alcohol use. Binge drinking and drug abuse are detrimental and significantly increase the risk. Stimulating drugs such as cocaine or amphetamines are the most harmful.

What Are the Complications of a Brain Aneurysm?

When an aneurysm ruptures, it can lead to many complications, including:

Re-bleeding: When a rupture occurs, there is a risk that it can bleed again later on. If it bleeds again, it can cause further brain cell damage.
Vasospasm: After a rupture, brain blood vessels might narrow erratically, which is vasospasm. It limits blood flow to brain cells, called an ischemic stroke, and can cause further cell loss and damage.
Hydrocephalus: When a rupture causes bleeding between the brain and surrounding tissue, it can block fluid circulation surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This situation leads to an excess of cerebrospinal fluid, increasing pressure on the brain. With the increased pressure, damage to your tissues can occur.
Hyponatremia: The subarachnoid hemorrhage from a ruptured aneurysm disrupts the sodium balance in the blood. Sometimes this occurs because of damage to the hypothalamus near the base of your brain. It leads to brain cell swelling and can cause permanent damage.

How Is a Brain Aneurysm Diagnosed?

If you experience a severe, sudden headache or any other symptoms, see a doctor right away. The sooner you find out the issue and begin treatment, the more your outlook improves. There are various diagnostic processes for aneurysms, including:

Computerized Tomography (CT): A CT scan is a specialized X-ray exam and is typically the first to diagnose an aneurysm. This test can find bleeding in the brain by producing 2-D slices of the brain. Sometimes you might receive an injection of dye to make it easier for the doctor to observe blood flow in the brain.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Test: This test checks for red blood cells in cerebrospinal fluid, the fluid surrounding your brain and spine. Typically, the fluid doesn’t contain red blood cells but, after an aneurysm, they are present. A cerebrospinal fluid test helps when nothing shows up on a CT scan.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): An MRI offers detailed 2-D slices or 3-D images of the brain and blood vessels using a magnetic field and radio waves. This test assesses the arteries to detect an aneurysm.
Cerebral Angiogram: During this test, the doctor will insert a catheter into a large artery and thread it to the arteries in your brain. Then, they inject a dye into the catheter and obtain images to see the condition of your arteries. This method is typically only used when other tests don’t give enough information.

How Is Brain Aneurysm Treated?

While aneurysms are scary and painful, there are treatment options, including:

Surgery: Surgical slipping involves a surgeon removing part of your skull to close off the aneurysm. They place a tiny metal clip on the neck of the aneurysm to stop blood flow to the bulge. A less invasive surgery is endovascular coiling, where the surgeon uses a catheter to guide a wire into the aneurysm. The wire coils up, disrupting blood flow and sealing the area from the artery.
Flow Diverters: Flow diverters are tubular implants that divert blood flow away from a bulge, promoting healing and reconstruction of the artery. These diverters are typically used in large sacs that can’t be treated in other ways.
Calcium Channel Blockers: These blockers prevent calcium from entering blood vessel wall cells. It decreases erratic blood vessel narrowing.
Rehabilitative Therapy: After a rupture, there could be brain damage. Brain damage often requires relearning skills through physical, speech, and occupational therapy.

What’s The Outlook for People with a Brain Aneurysm?

With early medical treatment, survival is possible with minimal damage. Increased survival rates are associated with early diagnosis, aneurysm repair, and control of blood vessel spasms. The longer a person waits to get treatment, the bleaker the outlook becomes.

Studies show that ruptured aneurysms result in death before medical care begins for 15% of people. Plus, 50% of ruptures that don’t receive treatment result in death within a month. If it is left untreated, there is a risk of re-bleed within two weeks of the occurrence.

With immediate medical attention being essential, watch for the symptoms so that you can begin treatment. After treatment, recovery can be quick if brain damage isn’t severe.

Final Thoughts on Brain Aneurysm: Early Signs, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

While a brain aneurysm can be life-threatening, early diagnosis and treatment can save your life. Remember the symptoms and recognize them in yourself and others. Even if you aren’t entirely sure, seek medical attention for a final diagnosis.

Remember that ruptured aneurysms are rare, so don’t panic. Just stay vigilant and watch for symptoms just in case it happens to you or your loved one.

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“Our ability to control our thoughts is fundamental to our well-being. When this capacity breaks down, it causes some of the most debilitating symptoms of psychiatric diseases.” ~ Professor Michael Anderson, University of Cambridge

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Scientists Reveal How to Train Your Brain To Prevent Unwanted Thoughts

Boosting GABA levels:

Foods high in glutamic acid include:

Here Are 11 Signs You’re In A Bad Relationship

1. You’re wondering if your relationship is bad

2. You don’t feel like a priority

3. If they don’t want to do something, then you can’t do it either

4. Your friends and family dislike your partner

5. Their problems are your problems

6. You don’t trust them

7. You’re happier when they’re not around

8. You pay for everything

9. You’re constantly worried about breaking up

10. They’re always mentally elsewhere

11. You’re trying to remember the good times

Final Thoughts on Your Involvement in a Toxic Relationship

Here Are 7 Signs Of A Dying Relationship

1. You don’t talk about personal things anymore

2. You’re never on the same page

3. You complain about the same things

4. You argue more often

5. You want more space

6. You don’t feel like yourself

7. You’re unsure about your future

Final Thoughts on Understanding the Signs of a Dying Relationship

Here Are 10 Behaviors A Woman Exhibits When She’s In Love

1. Shy behavior

2. She gives you presents

3. Acting slightly childish

4. Interested in your life

5. She starts the conversation

6. Shows interest in what you do

7. She wants to look good

8. Always looks happy

9. She can’t look you in the eyes

10. Pays attention to your needs and wants

Final Thoughts on Knowing When a Woman is Truly in Love

Here are 5 behaviors of a man like this in a relationship…

1. You have to pick up after him

2. He panics at the mention of commitment

3. You have to nag him

4. He always avoids serious conversation

5. He’s still stuck in middle school

References: http://stylecaster.com/signs-of-an-immature-man/ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/having-sex-wanting-intimacy/201510/5-signs-you-might-really-be-dating-man-child

What Is a Brain Aneurysm?

What Are the Early Symptoms of a Brain Aneurysm?

Symptoms of a Ruptured Aneurysm

Symptoms of an Unruptured Aneurysm

What Causes a Brain Aneurysm?

What Are the Risk Factors of a Brain Aneurysm?

What Are the Complications of a Brain Aneurysm?

How Is a Brain Aneurysm Diagnosed?

How Is Brain Aneurysm Treated?

What’s The Outlook for People with a Brain Aneurysm?

Final Thoughts on Brain Aneurysm: Early Signs, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

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References:
http://stylecaster.com/signs-of-an-immature-man/
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/having-sex-wanting-intimacy/201510/5-signs-you-might-really-be-dating-man-child

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