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Neurologists in the UAE are calling for increased public awareness and proactive screening for brain aneurysms, following Bollywood star Salman Khan’s public revelation that he is battling multiple neurological conditions, including brain aneurysms, trigeminal neuralgia, and arteriovenous (AV) malformation.

Despite his reputation for physical fitness, the 59-year-old actor stunned fans with his health disclosure on a recent talk show, sparking a wider conversation about this often "silent" yet potentially life-threatening condition.

The UAE’s top neurologists now urge residents, especially those with family histories of neurological diseases, to take symptoms seriously and undergo preventive brain scans if they experience unusual or persistent headaches or other unexplained neurological signs.

Understanding the Silent Threat

“Intracranial aneurysms, or cerebral aneurysms, are localized dilations of brain blood vessels due to weaknesses in the vessel wall,” explained Dr. Mohamad Ahmad, Neurology Specialist at Saudi German Hospital, Sharjah. “They can remain asymptomatic or cause subtle symptoms before rupturing, which may result in a catastrophic brain bleed or subarachnoid hemorrhage.”

He added that screening is essential for individuals with more than two first-degree relatives diagnosed with aneurysms or those with genetic risk factors.

Rising Awareness, Global Relevance

Well-known personalities, including Emilia Clarke, Tamala Jones, Sharon Stone, and Neil Young have all publicly shared their own experiences with aneurysms, drawing attention to the condition globally.

In the UAE, subarachnoid hemorrhages linked to aneurysm ruptures are estimated at 11 to 13 per 100,000 people, in line with global averages, according to Dr. Anoop Narendran, Neurologist at Medcare Royal, Dubai.

Early Symptoms Not to Ignore

Symptoms of unruptured aneurysms may include:

• Persistent or unusual headaches

• Vision disturbances

• Eye or facial pain

• Facial numbness or droop

• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

“A ruptured aneurysm typically causes a sudden, intense headache, often described by patients as the worst headache of their lives,” said Dr. Ponnu Sankara Pillai, Specialist Neurologist at Aster Hospital Mankhool. “It may also be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, fainting, or seizures, making it a neurological emergency that needs immediate intervention.”

Who Should Be Concerned?

Doctors recommend proactive imaging and consultations for:

• People over 40 years of age

• Individuals with uncontrolled high blood pressure

• Heavy smokers

• Those with a family history of aneurysms or sudden unexplained deaths

• Patients experiencing persistent neurological symptoms

“While local data is still emerging, brain aneurysms are not rare in the UAE,” said Dr. Pillai. “Given the modern lifestyle and stress factors, it’s crucial to remain vigilant.”

The Role of Lifestyle and Prevention

Experts emphasize that lifestyle choices — such as high salt consumption, lack of exercise, and chronic stress — can negatively affect vascular health and potentially increase the risk of aneurysms.

Doctors urge patients not to ignore symptoms and seek medical attention when in doubt. Early diagnosis through MRI or CT angiography can be life-saving and allows for timely surgical or endovascular interventions.

In Summary

The message from UAE neurologists is clear:

“If you’re experiencing unusual neurological symptoms, especially with a relevant family history — don’t wait. Get screened. It could save your life.”

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