Brain Aneurysm Awareness: What the Circle of Willis Can Tell Us

Your brain has a built-in traffic circle. It’s called the Circle of Willis, and it quietly directs blood flow 24/7 to keep you alive. But here’s the scary part: when one of those arteries weakens or bulges, a brain aneurysm can form. And if it ruptures? It’s a neurological emergency that can change everything in seconds. 

September is Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month, and I’m using this moment to talk anatomy, advocacy, and a little bit of merch magic. Our brand-new Whatchu Talkin’ About Willis? tees and crews drop this month, both designed to raise awareness and funds for The Aneurysm and AVM Foundation (TAAF). Because when it comes to brain health, education saves lives, and research changes futures.

What Is the Circle of Willis?

Okay, anatomy class, but I’ll make it quick and painless:

The Circle of Willis is a ring-shaped network of arteries at the base of the brain. Think of it as your brain’s traffic circle for blood flow, constantly directing oxygen-rich blood where it’s needed most.

But here’s the thing: when one of these vessels weakens, balloons, or bulges out, it can lead to the formation of an aneurysm. Sometimes, aneurysms sit there quietly for years. Other times, they rupture without warning, and that can be life-threatening.

Knowing about the Circle of Willis isn’t just a cool trivia fact. It’s the starting point for understanding why brain aneurysm awareness matters.

Why Brain Aneurysm Awareness Matters

Let’s get real for a second, as these stats from the Brain Aneurysm Foundation are sobering:

• 6.8 million people in the U.S. are living with unruptured brain aneurysms.
• About 30,000 people each year experience a rupture.
• Women are more likely than men to have a brain aneurysm (3:2 ratio).
• Most people don’t even know they have one until it’s too late.

Numbers like these are alarming, but statistics alone don’t tell the whole story. To really understand the impact of brain aneurysms, it helps to know who’s most at risk and what signs to look out for, because awareness is the first step toward prevention.

Brain Aneurysms: The Risks and Warning Signs

When it comes to brain aneurysms, some people are at a higher risk than others, but the tricky part is that many people never know they have one until it’s too late. The typical risk factors for developing one include:

• Family history of aneurysms
  
  
• High blood pressure
  
  
• Smoking
  
  
• Connective tissue disorders

And if an aneurysm ruptures, it becomes a true neurological emergency. The most common red flag is a sudden, severe headache…the kind often described as “the worst headache of your life.” But other warning signs can be just as severe, including:

• Blurred or double vision
  
  
• Neck stiffness
  
  
• Nausea or vomiting
  
  
• Seizures or loss of consciousness

The takeaway? If something feels off, especially if you’re experiencing multiple symptoms at once, don’t ignore it. Early recognition and fast treatment can be the difference between life and death.

And that’s why I’m so passionate about raising awareness, because the more people know what to look for, the more lives we can save. Sometimes, that awareness starts with a conversation… and yeah, sometimes, that conversation begins with what you’re wearing.

The Story Behind the “Whatchu Talkin’ About Willis?” Shirts

That’s where the new Whatchu Talkin’ About Willis Collection comes in. These burgundy tees and sweatshirts were designed to spark curiosity and start conversations about the Circle of Willis, the critical hub of arteries in your brain that inspired this design. So when someone asks, “What’s that little man on the back of your shirt?” or “Literally, what are you talking about?” you’ll have the chance to share what you’ve learned and how you’re helping make a difference.

Because here’s the best part: 10% of net sales from this collection during the month of September go directly to The Aneurysm and AVM Foundation (TAAF) to support research, patient care, and advocacy for those affected by aneurysms and other vascular malformations of the brain.

So, this September, I invite you to join me. Learn. Share. Advocate. Shop the drop, rep your support, and look amazing while doing it.