Diagnosed with a brain aneurysm, Giorgos Mylonakis

Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister, Giorgos Mylonakis, has been diagnosed with a brain aneurysm after being rushed to Evangelismos hospital on Wednesday morning (April 15) following a fainting episode.

The incident occurred during a morning meeting at the Maximos Mansion. By the time emergency medical services (EKAV) arrived to pick him up, he had partially regained consciousness.

Nevertheless, he was transferred to Evangelismos hospital for imaging and laboratory tests, which revealed a brain aneurysm, with his condition considered serious.

An official update from the hospital is expected.

It is noted that Giorgos Mylonakis has been serving as Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister since June 2024 and is regarded as one of the prime minister’s closest associates.

How a brain aneurysm forms and who is at risk

An aneurysm develops when a section of an arterial wall weakens. The constant pressure of blood at that point causes it to bulge outward.

Risk factors:

• Lifestyle: Smoking and chronic hypertension are the two most significant risk factors.
• Heredity: Individuals with two or more first-degree relatives who have had an aneurysm face increased risk.
• Genetic conditions: Disorders such as polycystic kidney disease or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome are linked to weakened blood vessels.
• Age and gender: It occurs more frequently in adults over 40 and is slightly more common in women.

Symptoms of a brain aneurysm depending on its state

Symptoms differ significantly depending on whether the aneurysm has ruptured or remains intact.

Unruptured aneurysm (asymptomatic)

Most small aneurysms do not cause symptoms. However, if they grow large enough to press on surrounding tissues, they may cause:

• Pain above or behind the eye.
• Dilated pupil in one eye.
• Double vision or blurred vision.
• Numbness on one side of the face.

 

Ruptured aneurysm (medical emergency)

When an aneurysm ruptures, bleeding in the brain can cause:

• Thunderclap headache: a sudden, extremely severe headache that peaks within seconds.
• Severe neck stiffness.
• Nausea and uncontrollable vomiting.
• Confusion or loss of consciousness.
• Photophobia (sensitivity to light).

Diagnosis and modern treatment of brain aneurysms

Diagnosis is made using CT or MRI scans, while digital angiography remains the gold standard for precise treatment planning.

Treatment options

Endovascular coiling: The least invasive method. Through a catheter inserted from the groin, the doctor places tiny platinum coils inside the aneurysm, causing clotting and excluding it from blood circulation.

Surgical clipping: Requires a craniotomy. The neurosurgeon places a small metal clip at the neck of the aneurysm to stop blood flow to it.

Monitoring: For small, unruptured aneurysms with low risk, doctors may recommend regular monitoring and blood pressure control.

Prevention and life after diagnosis

Quitting smoking and strict blood pressure control are the most effective preventive measures. After successful treatment, most patients return to their normal activities, although regular imaging follow-up is required to prevent recurrence.