We’re here to help you live well with a brain aneurysm
- HBA Support
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Being diagnosed with a brain aneurysm can feel overwhelming. There are often more questions than answers, and it can be hard to know what’s within your control. At HBA Support, we want to give people the best possible information to live well with their condition.
In our recent patient survey, many people told us that while they wanted to understand their medical risks, they also struggled to find clear advice on the everyday, practical side of living with a brain aneurysm. From questions about flying to exercising, people were searching for guidance that simply wasn’t available.
That’s why we’ve created a new resource: Living Well With a Brain Aneurysm – a Lifestyle Guide reviewed by NHS by a leading NHS neurosurgeon, designed to answer the questions patients told us matter most. Every aneurysm and every person is unique.
This guide isn’t medical advice, and it can’t replace the support of your GP or consultant. But it does bring together practical steps you can take day to day to support your health and reduce some of the risks linked to aneurysms.
To support this, we’re also produced a special episode of our Brain Aneurysm and Beyond Podcast on living well with a brain aneurysm. You can listen and watch it here soon.
Why lifestyle matters
While some brain aneurysm risks are genetic or linked to underlying conditions, many are influenced by lifestyle, especially high blood pressure and smoking. The good news is that these are areas where you can take real, positive action.
Keeping your blood vessels healthy is one of the best things you can do, not only to protect against future aneurysm problems but also to support your heart and overall wellbeing. And the changes don’t have to be big or drastic. Small, sustainable steps can make a real difference.
What you’ll find in the guide
Our new lifestyle guide shares clear, practical information on:
Blood pressure — why it matters most, how to track it, and what to aim for
Smoking — the link to aneurysms and where to find support if you want to quit
Medication and drugs — what to check with your doctor before making changes
Eating well — tips for vascular and brain health, including a Mediterranean-style approach
Alcohol — what’s safe and how it may affect your treatment
Exercise — the benefits of regular movement and how to start small
Mental health — ways to cope with fear, anxiety and health worries
Monitoring and screening — what ongoing care may look like
Above all, the guide is about reassurance: you are not alone in this. There is support available, and small steps really can help you feel more in control of your health.
Download our Living Well With A Brain Aneurysm Guide now
We hope it gives you and your family helpful information to support daily life and wellbeing.
Our special thanks goes to Prof. Diederik Bulters from the University of Southampton Hospital Trust for his valuable support in creating our Lifestyle Guide.
Resources and support
Visit our support page for free resources and patient stories from our community.