On 3 July 2013 I was diagnosed with a cerebral aneurysm, which later turned out to be two. This blog is a journey into my brain as I deal to the aneurysms lurking there. Along the way I'm calling on the collective proverbial wisdom and sage advice of some recognised (and maybe a few not-so-recognised) writers for aphorisms which complement my journey.

This is not just a personal journey but also a journey of discovery for everyone who has, had, or knows someone with a cerebral aneurysm.


Sunday 5 January 2014

Links and resources


This is the first – and only – page that doesn't lead with an aphorism, because I want it to be easily found if someone needs it. I know that, like me, many people have found the lack of information available from the so-called “professionals” to be disconcerting. Since I started this blog I have found many resources that I have linked to in various posts. I thought it was time to bring them all together to make a handy click-link resource page. Bookmark the page if it will be of help to you for your own support, or for education and awareness of your supporters. 

Acquired Brain Injury - “An acquired brain injury, or ABI, is damage to the brain that was not present at birth and is non-progressive.” This link leads to a manual produced by the Brain Injury Network and provides some pretty comprehensive information about ABIs.  It’s a great site, and much of the content was developed by survivors of Acquired Brain Injury. 

American Association of Neurological surgeons This site has some very good information on risk factors and warning signs/symptoms. It also includes a list of some famous people who either died from or who have survived aneurysms. 

Australian Brain Aneurysm Support and Awareness and Brain Aneurysm Support Australia, Australian Facebook support sites for survivors and supporters of those in Australia diagnosed with annies. 

Brain Aneurysm Foundationthe world's only nonprofit organization solely dedicated to providing critical awareness, education, support and research funding to reduce the incidence of brain aneurysm ruptures.” – USA. Excellent resource which is dedicated specifically to aneurysms which doesn’t just lose them in amongst all the other medical information for brain related issues. 

Brain Foundation Australian site which, like others, includes aneurysms amongst many other brain disorders. It does, however, have a link to latest Australian research papers on aneurysms. 

Brain Injury Australia Good website which explains the difference between an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) and genetic brain disorders

Brainline information on Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Whilst an aneurysm is an ABI, it can also be a TBI if it ruptures. 

EV3 information booklet on Pipeline Embolism Devices (PED). PEDs are a reasonable recent procedure. See also Medscape for further information on Pipeline Embolism Devices (PED), specifically for wide-neck aneurysms – both USA.

National Institute of Health (NIH) detailed description about cerebral angiogram procedure - USA 

National Institute of Health article on waiting for surgery from the patient’s perspective - USA 

The Aneurysm and AVM Foundation The TAAF’s Mission Statement: “Dedicated to bettering the lives, support networks, and medical care of those affected by aneurysm and other types of vascular malformation of the brain.” USA site which is big on research fundraising.

Also two little videos on the Brain Aneurysm Support Australia FB page: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nn9TNJsSpj4 – very good resource to show to family, friends and even workmates so they know what you are facing and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jd5VQTS096E – about PEDs.

Every little helps. If you have some resources which are not mentioned here, please let me know so I can include them!

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