Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month: Information, support and where to turn
September is Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month — an opportunity to raise awareness of brain aneurysms and highlight the information and support available to people and families affected.
A brain aneurysm can change your life in an instant. But what happens after you leave hospital?
For many people, the questions, uncertainty and need for support don’t end when treatment does.
Lauren experienced this first-hand after having a subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) in 2004.
When she was discharged from hospital, she wasn’t given advice about what to expect at home or a follow-up appointment. Although she looked well, she quickly discovered that everyday things were much harder than she had expected.
She tried to return to normal life and went back to work, but became exhausted and realised that her recovery was going to take much longer than she had imagined.
Eventually, Lauren contacted the Brain & Spine Foundation Neuro Helpline.
“At last I was speaking to someone who understood SAH.”
The nurse explained that recovery from SAH can be measured in months and years, not weeks. Lauren continued to use the Helpline over the following months, describing it as her only source of specialist support for understanding her condition.
That experience raises an important question:
What happens when you’ve been diagnosed with a brain aneurysm?
🧠 What is a brain aneurysm?
A brain aneurysm is a bulge in a blood vessel supplying the brain, caused by a weakness in the blood vessel wall.
Some aneurysms remain unruptured and may not cause symptoms. If an aneurysm ruptures, it can cause bleeding around the brain, known as a subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH).
A diagnosis can understandably bring uncertainty and many questions. Everyone’s situation is different, so it’s important to speak to your healthcare team about what your diagnosis means for you.
Who is affected by brain aneurysms?
A diagnosis doesn’t only affect the person who has experienced a brain aneurysm.
It can affect partners, family members, friends and carers too — all of whom may have questions about what has happened and what comes next.
If you’re worried or have questions, our Helpline is here to listen.
Have you been diagnosed and have questions about what happens next?
Our Neuro Helpline provides access to neuroscience-trained nurses who can offer trusted information and support.
Call 0808 808 1000 or email our Helpline team.
“I’m worried about my diagnosis. Who can I talk to?”
Lauren’s experience shows that looking well doesn’t necessarily mean someone has recovered.
After her SAH, she felt emotional and exhausted and struggled with the expectations placed on her to return to normal. She also describes how survivors can feel judged because the longer-term effects aren’t always visible.
You don’t have to work through those feelings alone.
Our peer support groups provide opportunities to meet other people affected by neurological conditions, share experiences and learn from one another.
“I feel alone. Where can I connect with other people?”
Recovery can be a long journey.
Our Neuro Social and Neuro Creative groups provide opportunities to connect with others, try something new, share experiences and build a sense of community.
Sometimes, simply meeting someone who understands can make a difference.
“I’m caring for someone with a brain aneurysm. Where can I get support?”
A brain aneurysm can affect the whole family.
Our Neuro Carers group offers a space for people caring for someone with a neurological condition to connect with others who understand the challenges of caring.
You can also find brain aneurysm information and support through HBA Support.
You don’t have to navigate caring alone.
Information you can come back to
You don’t have to remember everything you’ve been told in hospital.
Our Subarachnoid Haemorrhage booklet provides information about SAH, treatment, recovery and rehabilitation.
Download our free SAH booklet.
“I do not know where I’d have been without the Brain & Spine Foundation.”
Lauren’s story shows why support doesn’t stop when someone leaves hospital.
After her experience, Lauren went on to fundraise for the Foundation, run five marathons and complete a first-class honours degree in Health & Social Care, with her final project focusing on recovery from SAH.
Her journey wasn’t straightforward — and it wasn’t measured in weeks.
Recovery takes time. Questions can continue. And sometimes, people need somewhere to turn.
We’re here to help.
Whether you’ve been diagnosed with a brain aneurysm, are recovering from an SAH, are worried about someone you love or are caring for someone affected, Brain & Spine Foundation is here with information, support and connection.
Talk to our Neuro Helpline
📞 0808 808 1000
Explore our Neuro Creative groups
You can print this page by clicking the button below.