My day at school unfolded with the typical ups and downs of middle school life, but unbeknownst to me, around lunchtime, my mom was being rushed to the hospital. She had suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm and fell into a coma. Despite undergoing surgery, the prognosis was grim. I visited her that night, and the stark reality of our devastating new normal set in. Just two days later, she turned 42, and a week and a half after that, she passed away. Losing her at such a young age was unfathomable, especially for a 12-year-old.
Understanding Brain Aneurysms
For years, I believed that brain aneurysms were simply a matter of bad luck—an unpredictable event that struck without warning, much like being struck by lightning. However, everything changed when I met a man named David Lawson. His wife, Mary Thompson, a former news anchor, had also succumbed to a ruptured brain aneurysm almost three years ago. David quickly discovered that many warning signs precede such ruptures, which are often overlooked by victims, their families, and even medical professionals. This realization led him to establish the Mary Thompson Foundation, aimed at raising awareness about the early signs and symptoms of brain aneurysms. I joined the Board of Directors to assist in spreading this vital message.
An aneurysm, a weakening in a blood vessel, can often be identified and treated before it ruptures. Once it does, the consequences are usually catastrophic. The Mary Thompson Foundation has received numerous letters from individuals who attributed their or their loved ones’ timely recognition of symptoms to the foundation’s efforts, prompting immediate medical attention and potentially saving lives.
Recognizing the Warning Signs
Reflecting on my own experience, I recognized several warning signs my mother exhibited. She suffered from the WHOL (worst headache of her life) for over two weeks prior to her aneurysm’s rupture—it was unlike any ordinary headache. She frequently mentioned the pain, experienced severe neck discomfort, and had moments of eye twitching coupled with blurred vision and light sensitivity. On New Year’s Eve, she even vomited due to the intensity of her headache, despite not having consumed any alcohol. When she visited a doctor, she was prescribed penicillin for what was diagnosed as a cold—an understandable conclusion given the illness circulating at that time.
The symptoms of WHOL, neck pain, nausea, and vision disturbances are common warning signs of an impending rupture, and modern imaging techniques like MRA (essentially an MRI of the blood vessels) can detect these issues before they escalate. While this may not have been possible in 1988, advancements today offer hope. Despite facing incredibly challenging circumstances, I embraced #OptionB, supported by a strong network of friends and family, which helped me become more resilient and focused on what truly matters.
Honoring My Mother’s Memory
My mother was an extraordinary person who imparted invaluable lessons during our 12 years together. She continues to teach me through her memory. It is crucial that others do not have to endure a similar fate, so please stay informed about the warning signs and support organizations like the Mary Thompson Foundation. You never know whose life might be saved by sharing this knowledge.
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Conclusion
In summary, awareness of the symptoms of brain aneurysms can make a life-saving difference. It’s essential to recognize the early warning signs and act swiftly. By doing so, we can honor the memory of those we have lost and potentially save others from a similar heartache.