What is a brain aneurysm? The vessel rupture that left actor Tom Sizemore in a critical condition
Actor Tom Sizemore is in a critical condition after suffering a brain aneurysm.
His manager described the situation as “wait and see” with the 61-year-old in intensive care.
What is a brain aneurysm, how are they treated and what is the outlook for patients?
What is a brain aneurysm?
An aneurysm is a bulge in a blood vessel caused by a weakness in the blood vessel wall.
As blood passes through the weakened blood vessel, the blood pressure causes a small area to bulge outwards like a balloon.
The Brain Aneurysm Foundation in the US compares it to a weak spot on a bike tyre’s inner tube.
Because the walls of the artery are thin, the aneurysm is at risk of bursting.
What happens when a brain aneurysm bursts?
The first symptom is normally an agonising headache.
It’s been described as a “thunderclap headache”, the NHS says, similar to a sudden hit on the head.
Other possible symptoms include vomiting, pain on looking at light, loss of consciousness and a stiff neck.
When an aneurysm ruptures, blood spills into the space between the skull and the brain.
This is called a haemorrhage or haemorrhagic stroke and is considered a medical emergency.
Pic: AP
What are the symptoms of an unruptured brain aneurysm?
Unruptured brain aneurysms normally do not have any symptoms.
However they occasionally cause symptoms if they’re particularly large or press against tissues or nerves inside the brain.
According to the NHS, symptoms can include visual disturbances, pain above or around your eye, numbness or weakness on one side of your face and difficulties with speech, memory and concentration.
How are brain aneurysms treated?
Not all aneurysms are at risk of rupturing. Where an unruptured aneurysm is considered low-risk, it will usually be monitored rather than treated because the risk of operating often outweighs the benefit.
An aneurysm that is at risk of or has already burst may be treated with coiling or surgical clipping.
Coiling involves filling the aneurysm with a series of platinum coils that are threaded up from the patient’s groin.
The coils prevent more blood flowing into the aneurysm and pressing against the weakened walls.
Surgical clipping involves removing a section of the skull and placing a metal clip over the “neck” of the aneurysm to stop blood from flowing into it.
The same treatments are used for aneurysms that have already burst.
Who is at risk of having a brain aneurysm?
Brain aneurysms can develop in anyone at any age, but are more common in people over 40.
They are also more common in women.
People who smoke and those with high blood pressure are at greater risk of brain aneurysms.
Excessive alcohol consumption and drug use, particularly cocaine, are also associated with brain aneurysms.
What’s the outlook after a ruptured brain aneurysm?
Ruptured brain aneurysms are fatal in about 50% of cases, according to the Brain Aneurysm Foundation.
About 15% of people with a ruptured aneurysm die before reaching the hospital. Most of the deaths are due to rapid and massive brain injury from the initial bleeding.
Of those who survive, about two thirds suffer permanent neurological problems.
The King has written to former US president Joe Biden after he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, Buckingham Palace said
The monarch, who is undergoing his own treatment for an undisclosed cancer, hosted the 82-year-old for tea and talks at Windsor in July 2023.
Mr Biden was diagnosed on Friday, with tests revealing the cancer had spread to his bones.
The former president posted an image of himself and his wife Jill on X on Monday and wrote: “Cancer touches us all. Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places. Thank you for lifting us up with love and support.”
The King and Joe Biden at Windsor Castle in July 2023. Pic: Reuters
The King’s letter comes after British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was “very sorry to hear President Biden has prostate cancer”.
“All the very best to Joe, his wife Jill and their family, and wishing the President swift and successful treatment,” he added.
Meanwhile US President Donald Trump said he was “saddened” by the news, adding: “We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.”
Former US president Barack Obama said: “Michelle and I are thinking of the entire Biden family.
“Nobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments for cancer in all its forms than Joe, and I am certain he will fight this challenge with his trademark resolve and grace. We pray for a fast and full recovery.”
Read more: Biden diagnosed with ‘aggressive’ form of prostate cancer
Barack Obama (right) with Joe Biden at a campaign event in 2022. File pic: Reuters
After a poor debate performance against Mr Trump and amid escalating concerns around his age and fitness to serve, Mr Biden withdrew from the 2024 presidential election race and endorsed his vice president Kamala Harris.
Ms Harris wrote on X after his diagnosis: “We are keeping him, Dr. Biden, and their entire family in our hearts and prayers during this time.
“Joe is a fighter – and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership. We are hopeful for a full and speedy recovery.”
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Mr Biden’s diagnosis: What we know
Former US president Bill Clinton wrote on social media: “My friend Joe Biden’s always been a fighter. Hillary and I are rooting for him and are keeping him, Jill, and the entire family in our thoughts.”
Hillary Clinton, who unsuccessfully ran for president in 2016, said she was “thinking of the Bidens as they take on cancer, a disease they’ve done so much to try to spare other families from”.
Speaker of the US House of Representatives Mike Johnson said it was “sad news” and his family “will be joining the countless others who are praying” for Mr Biden.
Read more from Sky News:
UK and EU sign reset deal – live updates
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Listen to The World with Richard Engel and Yalda Hakim every Wednesday
Former House speaker Nancy Pelosi described Mr Biden as a “great American patriot” and said she was “praying for him to have strength and a swift recovery”.
Mr Trump’s secretary of state, Marco Rubio, wrote on social media that he and his wife were “united in prayer for the Biden Family during this difficult time”.
Politicians have sent messages of support to Joe Biden, who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
The 82-year-old, who is the oldest person to ever serve as US president, was described as a “fighter” with people wishing him a “fast and full recovery”.
US President Donald Trump said he was “saddened” by the news, adding: “We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.”
Former US president Barack Obama said: “Michelle and I are thinking of the entire Biden family.
“Nobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments for cancer in all its forms than Joe, and I am certain he will fight this challenge with his trademark resolve and grace. We pray for a fast and full recovery.”
Read more: Biden diagnosed with ‘aggressive’ form of prostate cancer
Barack Obama (right) with Joe Biden at a campaign event in 2022. File pic: Reuters
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was “very sorry to hear President Biden has prostate cancer”.
“All the very best to Joe, his wife Jill and their family, and wishing the President swift and successful treatment,” he added.
After a poor debate performance against Mr Trump and amid escalating concerns for his health, Mr Biden withdrew from the 2024 election and endorsed his vice president Kamala Harris.
Ms Harris wrote on X: “We are keeping him, Dr. Biden, and their entire family in our hearts and prayers during this time.
“Joe is a fighter – and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership. We are hopeful for a full and speedy recovery.”
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Mr Biden’s diagnosis: What we know
Former US president Bill Clinton wrote on social media: “My friend Joe Biden’s always been a fighter. Hillary and I are rooting for him and are keeping him, Jill, and the entire family in our thoughts.”
Hillary Clinton, who unsuccessfully ran for president in 2016, said she was “thinking of the Bidens as they take on cancer, a disease they’ve done so much to try to spare other families from”.
Speaker of the US House Of Representatives Mike Johnson said it was “sad news” and his family “will be joining the countless others who are praying” for Mr Biden.
Read more from Sky News:
UK and EU sign reset deal – live updates
Gary Lineker to leave BBC next week
Listen to The World with Richard Engel and Yalda Hakim every Wednesday
Former House speaker Nancy Pelosi described Mr Biden as a “great American patriot” and said she was “praying for him to have strength and a swift recovery”.
Mr Trump’s secretary of state, Marco Rubio, wrote on social media he and his wife were “united in prayer for the Biden Family during this difficult time”.
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