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July 27 2021 – With an increase in COVID-19 cases locally and nationally, people are continuing to delay routine health checkups. Elizabeth Bello, 21, recently had a big health scare. After experiencing sudden vision issues, she immediately knew something was wrong and did not ignore it.

Elizabeth Bello

Bello had developed an acute third nerve palsy. When she visited an eye doctor to get checked out, she was advised to immediately go to an ER, where she was then diagnosed with a brain aneurysm that was about to rupture.

Shaye Moskowitz, M.D., Ph.D., medical director of Broward Health’s neurosciences program, performed an endovascular, flow-diverting, embolizationprocedure, utilizing a catheter to access the aneurysm and implanted a stent. The procedure repaired the artery while protecting the aneurysm from rupturing.

Shaye Moskowitz, M.D., Ph.D.


“What is most unusual about Ms. Bello’s case is how young she is,” said Dr. Moskowitz. “This can rarely happen at that age but is much more typical when older. Ms. Bello also had no risk factors for it – she does not smoke and has no family history to have would have given her any reason to have an unexpected brain aneurysm.”

Thanks to Bello’s quick actions, her diagnosis and the provided treatment saved her life.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, aortic aneurysms contribute to over 25,000 deaths in the United States each year and can be effectively treated if caught early.

Strokes and aneurysms share many of the same risk factors:

Stroke symptoms

  • sudden, intense headache
  • numbness or tingling on one side of the face or body
  • weakness in arms or legs
  • trouble with balance or coordination   
  • vision problems
  • confusion

Aneurysm symptoms

  • headache
  • numbness in one or both limbs
  • weakness in one or both limbs
  • memory issues
  • vision problems
  • upset stomach
  • dizziness

If you experience an onset of blurred vision, headaches or dizziness, or other symptoms call 911 immediately. To take a free stroke risk assessment, visit BrowardHealth.org/StrokeCare or speak to a Registered Nurse directly by calling 954.320.5730.