In this episode of In Their Words, a special mini series from the Brain Aneurysms & Beyond podcast, Maria shares her personal experience of surviving a subarachnoid haemorrhage after a brain aneurysm rupture, and finding her way through recovery.

Maria talks to host Rebecca Middleton from Hereditary Brain Aneurysm Support about the moment everything changed, from collapsing at home to waking up in intensive care with no memory of what had happened. She describes the physical and emotional challenges that followed, including time in rehabilitation and relearning how to walk. Her story is honest and grounded, shaped by determination rather than drama.

The conversation also explores the impact on Maria’s family and how their support helped her through the most difficult stages. Maria reflects on living with anxiety and PTSD, what it took to regain confidence, and how she learned to focus on progress rather than fear. She explains why she chose to keep her brain active and stay engaged with everyday life.

Maria also speaks openly about inherited risk, as brain aneurysms run in her family. Her perspective highlights why awareness and early action can make a real difference. This episode offers reassurance to anyone recovering from a brain aneurysm, adjusting to life after hospital, or supporting someone close to them. Maria’s story is practical and full of quiet encouragement.

Episode highlights:

[00:00] Intro from host Rebecca Middleton

[00:57] Guest Maria shares when her brain aneurysm happened

[01:42] Rebecca asks Maria what she remembers about her treatment

[02:49] Maria's determination to walk again

[04:31] What Maria found most challenging during recovery

[05:06] Rebecca asks Maria how her family supported her

[07:00] Maria talks about PTSD

[08:18] Maria explains how aneurysms run in her family

[13:05] Advice for people recovering from brain aneurysms

[15:14] Outro from Rebecca and helpful links

Featuring:

Maria (guest) Rebecca Middleton (host, and founder of Hereditary Brain Aneurysm Support)

Resources:

HBA Support https://hbasupport.org

This podcast is also available as a captioned video at https://youtu.be/x5hn6Yln8xg

Podcast production and editing by Rob Birnie at Made by DBM https://madebydbm.com/podcasts