Understanding a brain aneurysm after the sudden loss of community advocate Marc Marotta

 The CBS 58 News at 4 provides something typical newscasts cannot; the chance to go in depth about topics in the news.

Such was the case Thursday, after the tragic news of the passing of Bradley Center Chairman Marc Marotta.

The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner says an autopsy shows the 52 year old Marotta died from a spontaneous brain hemorrhage due to an aneurysm.

According to the M.E.'s report, Marotta was sitting in his car outside the Wisconsin Athletic Club on a conference call Wednesday morning when his client heard Marotta groaning.

He tried to call Marotta back but couldn't get through.

A friend went to the club to check on Marotta after he missed a meeting. Another friend saw Marotta slumped over in his running car.

Medics tried but could not revive him.

Dr. Richard Rovin, a neurosurgeon from the Aurora Neuroscience Innovation Institute at Aurora Saint Luke's Medical Center says 5% of people live with a brain aneurysm and don't know it until it ruptures.

\"Completely silent,\" explained Dr. Rovin. \"Sometimes we're lucky and can find it by accident while scanning for something else.\"

30,000 people in the U.S. have a rupture each year.

Family history can be a factor.

The only clear warning sign is the worst headache you've ever had in your life and then there are mere moments to get the treatment you need to survive.

\"Statistically about 1/3 of patients don't make it to the hospital,\" explained Dr. Rovin. \"They'll die before that. And in the hospital, before or after treatment, another 1/3 will pass away.\"

The doctor says there are good, non invasive screenings available. So, if there's a family history you should definitely have a talk with your personal healthcare provider.  


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