A Florida woman who sought medical attention for recurring hives was shocked to discover she had a potentially life-threatening brain aneurysm that required emergency surgery. Now recovering, she believes the unexpected diagnosis may have saved her life.

Martha Hernandez, who was 39 at the time, visited the emergency department at Baptist Health Baptist Hospital in Miami in 2025 after an unfamiliar rash repeatedly spread from her thighs to her chest and face. She was also experiencing headaches and dangerously high blood pressure.

Although she initially expected treatment for her skin condition, medical evaluations revealed an unrelated brain aneurysm, according to Baptist Health South Florida. While it initially appeared small on imaging, a more detailed angiogram revealed a rare dissecting aneurysm in the basilar artery, which doctors considered dangerous enough to require treatment the following morning.

A Routine Hospital Visit Became a Medical Emergency

Hernandez was stunned by the diagnosis, particularly because she was not yet 40 and had no idea she had a potentially dangerous condition.

'I felt that my life was coming to an end,' she recalled.

She agreed to proceed with the recommended treatment. The following day, doctors performed a minimally invasive endovascular procedure, using coils and a stent to seal the aneurysm and support the affected blood vessel.

Hernandez spent several days recovering in intensive care before returning home. Subsequent imaging confirmed that the aneurysm had completely closed and the damaged vessel had been repaired.

She has since returned to her family's business and her charitable work supporting children and vulnerable families in Miami and her native Honduras.

Reflecting on the experience, Hernandez said she was 'thankful to be alive' and hoped to continue helping others through her nonprofit work.

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What Is a Brain Aneurysm?

A brain aneurysm is a weakened area in the wall of a blood vessel that bulges outwards. Although many aneurysms remain small and never cause problems, some can enlarge and rupture, causing bleeding around the brain known as a subarachnoid haemorrhage.

The condition can remain undetected because unruptured aneurysms often produce no symptoms. CBS Miami reported that an estimated one in 50 Americans has an unruptured brain aneurysm, many without knowing it.

The hives were unrelated to the aneurysm, according to doctors. Hernandez's case illustrates how investigations for one problem can sometimes uncover a separate condition requiring urgent attention.

Which Symptoms Should You Never Ignore?

According to the UK's National Health Service (NHS), a ruptured brain aneurysm can cause a sudden, extremely severe headache, sometimes described as a thunderclap headache.

Other possible symptoms include nausea, vomiting, neck stiffness, sensitivity to light, seizures, loss of consciousness, and stroke-like symptoms.

An unruptured aneurysm may cause persistent headaches, pain around the eye, double vision, facial numbness or weakness, and difficulties with balance, speech, or concentration.

Anyone experiencing a sudden, severe headache or other signs of a possible brain haemorrhage should seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Can Brain Aneurysms Be Prevented?

Not every aneurysm can be prevented, but certain risk factors can be addressed. High blood pressure and smoking are important risk factors associated with brain aneurysms and their rupture.

Managing blood pressure, avoiding smoking, and seeking appropriate medical care can help reduce risks. People with a family history of brain aneurysms or certain inherited conditions may also benefit from discussing their individual risk with a healthcare professional.

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