Mumbai: During his appearance on ‘The Great Indian Kapil Show’, superstar Salman Khan revealed that he is battling brain aneurysm, trigeminal neuralgia, and AV malformation.
Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain condition which causes intense pain on one side of the face, while AV malformation is an abnormal tangle of blood vessels between arteries and veins, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Brain aneurysms, on the other hand, are a severe medical condition which, if not treated, can become life-threatening.
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Dr Anil Venkitachalam, consultant neurologist, KJ Somaiya Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, told HT Lifestyle, “Awareness of risk factors, warning symptoms, and advantages of early screening and diagnosis will prevent rupture and enhance patient outcomes.”
“Aneurysms occur more often in women and in adults, and some genetic diseases, including polycystic kidney disease, are risk factors. Smoking is one of the important risk factors for aneurysm development and rupture, and high blood pressure can make blood vessel walls weaker and more susceptible to aneurysm formation,” he explained.
“Early diagnosis facilitates preventive treatment, which prevents rupture and its catastrophic outcomes. Early diagnosis can also enable less invasive procedures, including endovascular coiling or clipping, which can greatly enhance patient outcomes and minimize morbidity and mortality,” he added.
“Based on the size and location of the aneurysm, aneurysm shape and morphology, and the patient’s health, neurosurgeons and neurologists evaluate the risk of rupture. Treatment or observation depends on the patient’s risk factor profile, aneurysm characteristics, and overall health,” the neurologist explained.
“An unruptured brain aneurysm can be a source of great anxiety and distress. Supportive treatment like counselling and therapy, support groups, education and awareness can assist an individual in dealing with anxiety and emotional distress,” he explained.
“Patients with an unruptured aneurysm need to work closely with their treatment team to create an individualized treatment plan and discuss concerns about psychological and quality-of-life issues,” he advised.