Most aneurysms are stable for decades. But if an aneurysm grows, the wall becomes weaker. Aneurysms frequently cause no symptoms, but when they enlarge can produce headache, double vision, loss of vision, facial numbness, enlarged pupil size or drooping eyelid. Aneurysms can be surgically repaired, depending on their location. Numerous studies have found that most people don't know crucial information about stroke, such as preventative measures and recognition of symptoms that could save their lives or those of loved ones.
Many strokes are preventable by controlling major risk factors.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, increases the risk of stroke four to six times above normal. Hypertension is common, affecting one in three adults in the United States, but it can usually be controlled by medication. Heart disease increases stroke risk six times above normal. Atrial fibrillation, where the upper left chamber of the heart beats erratically, leads to pooling of blood in the heart and clot formation and results in an increased risk of embolic stroke. Heart valve disease is also associated with embolic strokes.