Can Smoking cause a minor Aneurysm?

[RachelK82]

Is it true that smoking can cause a minor Aneurysm?     I have been a rather heavy cigarette smoker for a while, almost two packs a day for the past fifteen years or so, and other than occasionally feeling winded or short of breath I havent had many bad health problems from it yet (Yes, I know I should quit someday) - but the past few days Ive had this driving almost blinding headache, and it doesnt seem to be a typical migraine. Because of my limited work insurance coverage Im afraid a hospital visit resulting in a CAT scan might not be covered depending on what they find - but I may have to do it if its serious and I have no other option.

Since Im mostly healthy, other than my smoking, I can't think of anything else that could cause an Aneurysm, if that's even what it is. Does anyone have any thoughts or suggestions?

[Eddie1994]

We can't say they were migraines, but were general in nature along the forehead and were very intense.  Back then, asprin, tylnol and ibu were the only meds available

[nrh]

What kind of headaches did she get in the 1980s?

[Eddie1994]

She was 34 at the time and a non-smoker.  All physical status was at or below average for most people.  She did have a family history of strokes and an Aunt died of an ruptured aneruysm.  Because the CT showed normal results, additional studies were thought not necessary.  

Today she is in good health with some cognitive deficiets but she suffers from post aneruysm headaches and migraines.  We've learned recently through our own research that the headaches/migraines are an unanticipated and undocumented side-effect of the metal materials used to permanently repair the aneruysm.  We have also communicated with other similar affected patients and they too have very similar headaches and migraines.

[nrh]

How old was your wife when the aneurysm bursted?
What was her smoking(age began and frequency), drug, blood pressure, weight, cholesteral, diet, and family history statuses in the 1980s and 90s?
Did she have the CT angiography in the 80s?

How she doing today?

[Eddie1994]

Smoking is a risk factor as well as a family (both paternal and maternal) history.  Your best option is to visit your primary care Doctor and together you can decide whether a Neurologist should be involved.  

Although headaches per se are not an indicator of an aneurysm, I feel very strongly that pre growth stretching of blood vessels can cause pain. My wife suffered a ruptured aneurysm 16 years ago.  Ten years previously she had intense headaches which then subsided after about 9 months.  Her CT scans in the earlier period demonstrated no aneurysm, then ten years later a non existant bubble burst.  The next headache was a thunderclap headache, one that is is called the worst headache of your life.

CT scans and MRI are very helpful screening tools to identify those that are growing.

Hope this helps you.  

P.S. Don't abandon love when you find it.  I married my wife after her aneruysm burst because of love, most might have walked away, but the power of true love survives anything.  Good luck!