Brain Aneurysm and Whole Body Vibration

Brain Aneurysm and Whole Body Vibration

A brain aneurysm or cerebral aneurysm is a widening of the blood vessels in the brain. The aneurysm takes on a balloon-like shape as it widens and the vessel becomes weak. The larger the widening the greater chance there is for a rupture. This is known as a subarachnoid hemorrhage. Many people that have a subarachnoid hemorrhage will die within the first month, and individuals that survive are often left with significant impairments. The type of impairments will depend on location of where the rupture occurs in the brain. There is nothing to predict whether an aneurysm will rupture; however, it is thought that if they are greater than 10 mm in size they are more likely to hemorrhage. Many aneurysms remain small and go undetected unless accidently found during tests for other health reasons. There appears to be a strong hereditary link to aneurysms. Several conditions may be associated with cerebral aneurysms including Marfan’s syndrome and Neurofibromatosis. Smoking and high blood pressure are environmental factors that may lead to both an increased incidence of an aneurysm, and an increased risk for a rupture. Excessive alcohol consumption and binge drinking are also associated with a greater risk of hemorrhaging. Aneurysms are often asymptomatic until they rupture. A ruptured aneurysm causes a sudden severe headache (“the worst headache of an individual’s life”), nausea, vomiting, neck stiffness, and sensitivity to light. An enlarged but unruptured aneurysm may result in a dilated pupil, pain behind the eye, pain in the temple area or back of the head, visual field deficits and an inability to move an eye in every direction. A ruptured aneurysm is a medical emergency and requires immediate medical attention. With an enlarged aneurysm, treatment is based on prevention as an aneurysm rupture cannot be predicted. A doctor will monitor the aneurysm closely and recommend lifestyle modifications which include quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption and lowering blood pressure. Surgical treatment is similar for both a ruptured and enlarged unruptured aneurysm, involving either clipping or coiling of the aneurysm.

There is little research available to determine appropriate guidelines or specific recommendations regarding exercise if an individual has a diagnosed brain aneurysm. Studies suggest that ventilation or breathing patterns may impact an individual’s risk for an aneurysm to rupture, due to the impact on blood flow 1, 2. The valsalva maneuver (breath holding) during resistance training has been shown to increase cerebral blood flow velocity when compared normal ventilation and hyperventilation prior to exercise. When moderate aerobic exercise was simulated on individuals with brain aneurysms, it did not show a significant change in overall blood flow patterns or time-averaged pressure on the aneurysm wall 3. If blood pressure or other environmental factors that are modifiable through exercise exist it may be beneficial for an individual to exercise to help reduce a risk for rupture. Due to the seriousness and potentially life threatening risk of ruptures associated with aneurysms, it is essential that an individual discusses initiating an exercise routine with his/her physician.

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There is no research looking at the use of Whole Body Vibration (WBV) in individuals with a cerebral aneurysm or following a repair of an aneurysm. Blood flow has been shown to increase in the legs with the use of WBV 4; however, blood flow changes to the brain have not been studied. Neurological conditions as well as metal and synthetic implants are considered relative contraindications to the use of WBV. Fresh surgical wounds are considered an absolute contraindication. Contraindications are recommended due to the lack of research in a particular area or when there is a known consequence. Without the research, it cannot be determined if the benefits to using WBV would outweigh any potential risks. For a small aneurysm that has not been repaired it is unclear how the vibrations from the platform will impact the aneurysm’s rate of growth, or if it could possibly lead to a rupture. There is also a possibility for a person to experience dizziness or other symptoms that may result in a fall, thereby increasing an individual’s risk of injury. If an aneurysm has been repaired with a coil or other type of implant, there is a concern that the vibration will cause migration of the implant. It is not advisable to use WBV directly following surgery as it will affect the healing of the surgical incision. Therefore, it is essential for an individual with an aneurysm to discuss any new exercise routine including the addition of WBV with a doctor. It is important that a doctor understands WBV to help an individual determine if there are any contraindications specific to his/her medical history that would exclude the use of WBV.

If an individual has been cleared to use WBV by their doctor, it should be started at a reduced intensity and duration. It is advisable that an individual monitors their heart rate and stays within any limits given by his/her doctor. If any symptoms related to his/her condition are experienced while using the WBV platform, it should be discontinued immediately and the symptoms should be discussed with a doctor. If an individual is symptom free and adapting to the WBV, intensity can be increased and exercises added within the appropriate fitness level. It is advisable to avoid placing the arms/trunk or any other position that would increase the intensity of vibration felt in the head. In general, if an individual experiences pain, dizziness or shortness of breath while using the WBV platform it should be discontinued immediately.

References

1. Sato K, Hirasawa A, Tsunoda N, Taniguchi Y, Sadamoto T. 2010. Cerebrovascular response during heavy upper body exercise: effect of mode of ventilation on blood flow velocity in the middle cerebral artery, Advancements Exp Med Biol, 662, 347-52.

2. Haykowsky MJ, Findlay JM, Ignaszewski AP. 1996. Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage associated with weight training: three case reports, Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine, 6(1), 52-5.

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3. Bowker TJ, Watton PN, Summers PE, Byrne JV, Ventikos Y. 2010. Rest versus exercise hemodynamics for middle cerebral artery aneurysms: a computational study, American Journal of Neuroradiology, 31(2), 317-23.

4. Lohman EB 3rd, Petrofsky JS, Maloney-Hinds C, Betts-Schwab H, Thorpe D. 2007. The effect of whole body vibration on lower extremity skin blood flow in normal subjects, Medical Science Monitor, 13(2), CR71-6.

Various models and machines on the market have been used for the purpose of conducting research. Also, a variety of frequencies (speeds) and amplitudes (platform variation) which may or may not be known to us have been used. We do not guarantee or claim users will achieve similar results with our T-Zone Whole Body Vibration machine.

THIS IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. WE DO NOT DIAGNOSE OR PRESCRIBE. PLEASE CONSULT YOUR HEALTH PROVIDER.

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