Lisa Colagrossi was a New York City journalist at WABCChannel 7. She should have reported the story and returned home with her family. Instead, she died on March 20, 2015 from a ruptured brain tumor.
This fatal condition is unknown, unlike other diseases and cancer. Lisa had one of the warning signs of brain aneurysms, and it was the worst headache in her life. But, it was not diagnosed as such. Todd Crawford, Colagrossi’s spouse, was overwhelmed by this lack of knowledge and created The. Lisa Colagrossi Foundation (TLCF)A non-profit organization that aims to educate and raise awareness about the risks and signs of brain aneurysms.
Aneurysms in the brain are a weakness of the blood vessel wall. The blood vessel wall eventually begins to bulge outward. This can lead to a rupture or leakage, which could cause bleeding into the brain.
These are the most common symptoms of a brain aneurysm:
* Worst headache of your life
* Sensitivity to light
* Stiff neck
* Sharp pain behind one of your eyes
* State of confusion
Aneurysm development can be caused by a variety of factors. Some risk factors can develop over time while others are present at birth. Common risk factors include:
* High Blood Pressure
* Smoking
* Head Injury
* Older Age
* Drug/Alcohol Abuse
* Family History
Additionally, brain aneurysms are almost 50 percent more common in African Americans and women than in African Americans.
The Foundation has saved many lives since its inception in September 2015.
One survivor suffered from an excruciating headache. Her sister heard Crawford speak on the radio about TLCF and the symptoms, risk factors, and signs of a brain aneurysm. She encouraged her sister to visit the hospital. After multiple CAT scans, one spinal tap and six weeks, she received lifesaving brain surgery. Two aneurysms had been removed.
An estimated 6 to 15,000,000 people are currently suffering from a brain aneurysm. Each year, there are an estimated 40,000 ruptures. Surviving 60% will die while more than 66 percent will be left with severe neurological impairments.
“Brain aneurysms don’t need to result in a tragic loss,” says Crawford. “The more people that are aware of the signs, symptoms, and risk factors that accompany a brain aneurysm, the more lives that will be saved.”
Please visit this page for more information www.tlcfound.org.