The irony of life is that in the complex world of neurosurgery, where the skilled mind of the neurosurgeon navigates the delicate terrain of a cerebral aneurysm, the same mind can be affected by the very thing it treats. Neurosurgeons tend toward the most delicate organ in the human body, mastering techniques to treat various illnesses of the brain, yet they rarely expect themselves to be afflicted with it. Cerebral aneurysms arise from the localized weakening of intracranial blood vessels, which manifests as acquired vascular lesions [11]. Often, neurosurgeons find themselves face-to-face with this vicious condition, which takes on added gravity. Paradoxically, the healer becomes the one in need of healing. This predicament highlights the reality of existence that vulnerability transcends professional boundaries and that any individual can become a target. Acknowledgment and acceptance of illness within themselves is a strange notion for many surgeons. Surgeons often delay seeking help until the condition progresses to a much more serious stage for various reasons. They often feel embarrassed about sharing personal and emotional struggles with peers and are concerned about burdening another busy doctor with their diagnosis. While others delay treatment due to fear of the confidential information reaching their staff and the workplace, which may cause staff and colleagues to view them in a different light, as neurosurgeons commonly experience pressure to conform to the healthy standard of a doctor or have the ability to control their own illness. The pressure emanates from both fellow colleagues and the broader community [7]. Many surgeons also hesitate to acknowledge their symptoms or reveal their condition because they are afraid of facing the stigma and career repercussions of being ill [10].

An aneurysm has profound emotional and psychological impacts on the affected neurosurgeon. The very organ they have committed their lives to protect is now in a perilous state. The professional status of neurosurgeons and their medical knowledge of aneurysms and their complications can impede their ability to cope with their diagnosis [9]. Instead of eliminating the fear of the unknown, it increases anxiety, as the surgeon is aware of the complications associated with the condition [12]. Owing to the need to take care of themselves and a sense of disempowerment as well as the manifestation of the disease, neurosurgeons afflicted with a cerebral aneurysm may lose interest in doing their jobs [12]. As unruptured aneurysms increase in size, they exert pressure on the adjacent brain structure. This compression can manifest as hemiparesis, visual field defects, seizures, third cranial nerve palsy, and cavernous sinus syndrome [1]. These manifestations can not only be physically and emotionally devastating for the surgeon but also interfere with their ability to perform neurosurgeries. However, as implied by Tunde Onakoya at the beginning of this letter, the strength of these neurosurgeons is remarkable, as they not only navigate the intricacies of their field but also the personal struggles in their lives.

It is often difficult to accept that you are suffering from an illness for which you are the caregiver, so establishing associations to support neurosurgeons at a personal level who are suffering from neurosurgical pathologies is vital. Professional support to aid their return to work or retraining should also be considered. Additionally, it will be interesting to study this issue among neurosurgeons and address it to the world federation of neurosurgical societies.

The growth of the aneurysm has been linked with various factors, such as the size of the aneurysm, location, young age, smoking status, high blood pressure, irregular shape, and multiplicity of aneurysms [3]. Kemp et al demonstrated that 37.8% of patients with de novo aneurysms had hypertension, which has been reported as a major risk factor [8]. A nationwide study from the USA reported that 57% of neurosurgeons fell under the criteria for burnout syndrome due to excessive stress [13]. Owing to the demanding nature of their work, neurosurgeons face substantial stress [14]. This increased stress predisposes patients to the presence and rupture of intracranial aneurysms. This stress-induced hypertension can serve as a potential contributing factor to the development of an aneurysm, indicating an intricate interplay between physiological and environmental elements associated with neurosurgery in the pathogenesis of this condition [4].

Neurosurgeons must combine personal experiences with professional expertise when making decisions, which impacts their treatment approaches. Understanding these complexities is crucial for providing adequate support to neurosurgeons as they navigate their own aneurysms while fulfilling their professional responsibilities.

The experience of facing their own aneurysms can significantly impact neurosurgeons’ relationships with colleagues, patients, and loved ones. Colleagues may perceive the neurosurgeon’s vulnerability as deviating from the expected role of strength and expertise, which can alter dynamics within the professional environment. Additionally, loved ones may experience increased concern and emotional strain as they navigate the delicate balance between providing support and respecting professional boundaries [6]. Understanding these dynamics is essential for fostering supportive environments that enable neurosurgeons to navigate their personal health challenges while maintaining professional integrity and effectiveness. On the positive side, personal experiences with aneurysms can greatly enhance the management of this condition in neurosurgery. Neurosurgeons who have dealt with their own aneurysms are uniquely positioned to make valuable contributions to research and innovation in the field. Their first-hand encounters serve as catalysts for pioneering new research directions, innovative treatments, and advancements in surgical techniques [2,5]. These efforts aim to improve patient outcomes and reduce the emotional burden of treatment.

Importantly, their decision-making processes, informed by personal experience and professional knowledge, can greatly influence treatment strategies tailored to each individual case. Neurosurgeons’ personal experiences with aneurysms extend beyond the operating theatre and influence advocacy efforts, reshape awareness campaigns, and drive patient education initiatives. As advocates for improved treatment techniques and better access to healthcare resources, these neurosurgeons can leverage their first-hand experiences to bring about systemic change and promote informed patient care. Their contributions can have a lasting impact on clinical practice, demonstrating the transformative power of personal experience combined with surgical expertise and compassionate patient-centered care.

We must address the need for a support system for neurosurgeons. One effective approach is to form peer support groups specifically for neurosurgeons that provide them with an open and supportive space to discuss the shared experiences and challenges associated with their work. Workshops and seminars can be conducted from time to time and are centered around stress management and resilience training, which can also help them cope with their own health issues. There is still ample room for further research on the factors implicated in aneurysm formation in neurosurgeons and how these factors can impact their work.