Baptist Medical Center
Press Release
September 17, 2021
Florida Sen. Aaron Bean proclaims September 2021 as Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month; Baptist Nassau honored for excellence in cerebrovascular care by the Trinity Love Hoblit Foundation
Jacksonville, Fla., September 16, 2021 – To raise awareness about undiagnosed brain aneurysms in the United States, Aaron Bean, Florida District 4 senator, proclaimed September 2021 Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month during a news conference today at Baptist Medical Center Nassau. The initiative encourages patients and physicians to seek treatment for aneurysms before the condition progresses to a medical emergency.
Recognizing Baptist Medical Center Nassau’s continued commitment to excellence in clinical care for cerebrovascular conditions such as brain aneurysms, the Trinity Love Hoblit Foundation, a non-profit organization supporting research, training and treatment for neurological disorders, presented the hospital with a $5,000 award during the proclamation, a portion of their yearly donation.
“We are extremely grateful to the Trinity Love Hoblit Foundation for their continued support of our care team and helping us provide advanced care for diagnosing patients with aneurysms and also providing educational programs for stroke awareness,” said Hospital President Ed Hubel.
There are 6.5 million Americans – 1 in 50 – who have an undiagnosed brain aneurysm, a bulge on the wall of a blood vessel resembling a balloon. Every year, an estimated 30,000 people in the U.S. experience a ruptured aneurysm, which can cause a stroke.
“Most brain aneurysms only cause symptoms if they rupture, which can then lead to a devastating event called subarachnoid hemorrhage. Raising awareness and screening for brain aneurysms will improve our ability to help patients before aneurysms can burst as there are great treatment options available,” said Amin Nima Aghaebrahim, MD, interventional neurologist, primary stroke director, Baptist Stroke & Cerebrovascular Center.
“Certain patients are at higher risk of having brain aneurysms and some aneurysms are at higher risk of bursting. An understanding of these risks can leads to earlier treatment and better clinical outcomes,” Dr. Aghaebrahim said. “Thank you to Senator Bean, and the Trinity Love Hoblit Foundation, for helping to raise awareness about brain aneurysms in children and adults.”
Know the signs of an aneurysm
Similar to a heart attack, there is usually no warning that a brain aneurysm might be present or rupture. Over time, a brain aneurysm may grow and press on brain nerves or burst. If this happens, you may experience:
- Sudden severe headache
- Severe pain above or behind the eye or stiff neck
- Blurred or double vision
- Seizures
In addition, patients with a family history of brain aneurysms, those who smoke or have high blood pressure may be at higher risk of having brain aneurysms.
If you or a loved one exhibits these symptoms, it is critical to call 911 immediately to prevent serious health problems and manage symptoms.
About Baptist Health
Baptist Health is a faith-based, mission-driven system in Northeast Florida comprised of Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville; Baptist Medical Center Beaches; Baptist Medical Center Nassau; Baptist Medical Center South; Baptist Clay Medical Campus and Wolfson Children’s Hospital – the region’s only children’s hospital. All Baptist Health hospitals, along with Baptist Home Health Care, have achieved Magnet™ status for excellence in patient care. Baptist Health is part of Coastal Community Health, a highly integrated regional hospital network focused on significant initiatives designed to enhance the quality and value of care provided to our contiguous communities. Baptist Health has the area’s only dedicated heart hospital; orthopedic institute; women’s services; neurological institute, including comprehensive neurosurgical services, a comprehensive stroke center and two primary stroke centers; a Bariatric Center of Excellence; a full range of psychology and psychiatry services; urgent care services; and primary and specialty care physicians’ offices throughout Northeast Florida. The Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center is a regional destination for multidisciplinary cancer care which is clinically integrated with the MD Anderson Cancer Center, the internationally renowned cancer treatment and research institution in Houston. For more details, visit baptistjax.com.