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17 TheSouthShoreMagazine.com Christine Buckley "We are only scratching the surface of what needs to be done," explains Buckley. "Our ongoing advocacy work with lawmakers, our educational programs and the events we host nationwide are essential to creating awareness and reducing disability, but we need to significantly increase funding to bring patients the best options that can prevent ruptures and increase survival." One of the main hurdles for early detection is the cost of scanning. For decades BAF has worked to provide educational programming to medical professionals on the importance of early detection, while researchers are working to develop alternatives to costly scans like blood testing, which will reduce costs and increase lifesaving discoveries. Despite the prevalence of the condition, misdiagnosis in emergency rooms or physicians' offices occurs about 25 percent of the time – and 75 percent of the time is a result of failure to perform scans. The cost of treating an unruptured aneurysm is a fraction of what is required to treat those who have survived a rupture, and BAF aims to drive home the message that preventing ruptures is crucial not only to saving lives, but also money and critical resources. SIGNS, SYMPTOMS AND RISK FACTORS The first step in protecting yourself is knowing the signs of an aneurysm and advocating for yourself when you seek treatment. Common symptoms include sudden and severe headache (the worst of your life), nausea and vomiting, stiff neck, blurred or double vision, sensitivity to light, pain behind the eye and more. Smoking and high blood pressure are the two most significant risk factors. Others include family history of aneurysm, age, gender and race, drug and alcohol use and more. Women and people of color have an increased risk. Misdiagnosis occurs about 25% of the time when a patient is seeking medical attention, so it is critical that you are vigilant with your provider if you believe you or a loved one may have an aneurysm. More about warning signs, symptoms and risk factors can be found on the BAF website, bafound.org. GETTING INVOLVED IS EASIER THAN YOU THINK Every year, the Foundation makes a trip to Capitol Hill to encourage the government to aid in research. Currently, they are encouraging people across the nation to contact their legislators to sign onto Ellie's Law – named for Ellie Helton who died at age 14 from an aneurysm – which would provide the first ongoing dedicated research funding for prevention of ruptures. Visit bafound.org and quickly take action by sending a message to your legislator – it takes less than two minutes!