Brain Aneurysm: Cause of Death of Influencer and Bodybuilder Jo Lindner

The world of social media and fitness was shocked by the death of the young German bodybuilder. At only 30 years old, he suffered a brain aneurysm.

Reviewed and approved by the doctor Leonardo Biolatto.

Written by Jonatan Menguez

Last update: 11 July, 2023

Jo Lindner, recognized on social media for his fitness and nutrition advice, died at the age of 30 due to a brain aneurysm. This was confirmed by his girlfriend, Nicha, through an Instagram post.

This cerebrovascular disease is more common than you might think, however, it doesn’t always present anticipatory symptoms. It’s important to know how to identify it in order to treat it in time.

Bodybuilder Joe Lindner passes away from a brain aneurysm

On July 1, the girlfriend and best friend of influencer Joe Lindner, announced the young man’s death:

Lindner was a 30-year-old bodybuilder born in Germany, but who had been living in Thailand since he was 20 years old. Despite his physical fitness and intense training, he was not a regular at major bodybuilding competitions such as Mister Olympia. Rather, he was dedicated to providing exercise and diet advice via social media.

There he was known as Joesthetics; his profile had amassed more than 8 million followers on Instagram and nearly 1 million subscribers on YouTube. According to Nicha, three days before his passing, the young man had felt a pain in his neck. “We didn’t realize it at the time and then it was too late,” he lamented.

Joe Lindner’s cause of death: what is a brain aneurysm?

The brain aneurysm, which caused Lindner’s death, is a widening that occurs in some weakened-walled artery in the brain, causing a bulge to appear. Sometimes this bulge is very small and never ruptures.

In other cases, the rupture causes an intense hemorrhage that leads to a high risk of death. The main symptom is a sudden, severe headache.

There are different types of cerebral aneurysms. Some of them have no symptoms and are only detected by studies for other reasons.

Risk factors are diverse and some are unavoidable. For example, the hereditary factor. However, there are a number of habits that reduce the risks associated with the appearance of aneurysms.

It is, therefore, advisable to know the causes, symptoms, and how to reduce the risk of a disease that is more common than you might think.

A study by the Brain Aneurysm Foundation shows that 1 in 50 people have a brain aneurysm, but only a small number cause symptoms or result in rupture. In addition, the same report suggests that 3 to 6 million people in the United States have some type of brain aneurysm.

How does a brain aneurysm form?

Also known as an “intracranial aneurysm,” this condition originates in a weak cerebral artery. The passage of time and blood flow causes that part of the artery to become thinner and begin to bulge. In this way, a protrusion or bifurcation similar to a berry or cherry is formed.

It can occur in any cerebral artery, although it’s more frequent in those located at the base, a sector known as the “polygon of Willis”. If such an aneurysm presents any leak or rupture, bleeding and a hemorrhagic stroke will occur. However, this situation occurs in the lowest percentage of cases.

Types

Although there are different methods to classify intracranial aneurysms, the most common is based on their morphology:

• Saccular. The most common type. It usually appears in the arteries at the base of the brain and is berry-shaped.
• Fusiform. In this case, the bulge doesn’t protrude from the artery and what occurs is a swelling or bulge on all sides.
• Mycotic. This variant is the product of an infection that affects the cerebral arteries, weakening the wall and facilitating the appearance of the aneurysm.

Risk factors

According to a survey in the Chilean Journal of Neuropsychiatry, the risk groups that have higher chances of intracranial aneurysms are women, from the sixth decade of life, and with chronic hypertension. However, other influencing factors include excessive alcohol consumption, amphetamine and cocaine use, and smoking.

In addition, previous health complications affecting blood flow are also linked to the generation of aneurysms. Namely: cerebral arteriovenous malformation and narrowing of the aorta.

On the other hand, family history is a risk factor. In particular, first-degree family history. Regarding Jo Lindner’s case, her partner clarified that the influencer‘s aunt passed away four years ago from a similar cause.

However, no other antecedents related to possible risk factors in the bodybuilder are known. However, in the past, he had surgery for gynecomastia, a disease that causes enlarged breast tissue. A study in the publication Anales del Sistema Sanitario de Navarra suggests that this anomaly produces a deformity of an aesthetic nature, with psychological alterations.

Symptoms

Symptoms of cerebral aneurysms vary. They can be confused with common ailments and even go unnoticed, which complicates their early identification.

It is likely that very small protrusions, i.e., 3 millimeters or less, never rupture or produce symptoms. On the other hand, larger ones can put pressure on brain tissues and nerves, causing the following complaints:

• Pain at the top and back of the eye
• Pupil dilation
• Double vision

However, when there’s a leak or a complete rupture of the aneurysm, an intense and sustained headache is generated. This symptom appears suddenly and is the clearest way to identify it, so the person should receive emergency medical attention.

In addition, it may include any of the following sensations:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stiff neck
• Convulsions
• Eyelid drooping
• Loss of consciousness

Treatment

There are two main types of interventions to treat cerebral aneurysms. In cases where they are small and haven’t ruptured, either may be performed. This depends on the particular situation, size, location and age. Aneurysms are usually identified by a CT scan.

Cases that have ruptured or are leaking are life-threatening and are usually treated with a procedure known as “surgical clipping”. This consists of stopping blood flow to the aneurysm by placing a small metal clip.

Finally, endovascular treatment is less invasive. It involves placing a catheter and a stent through the artery.

Brain aneurysms are difficult to prevent

Although intracranial aneurysms cannot be prevented, certain habits can reduce risk factors. For example, not smoking, not using use illicit drugs, and not drinking alcohol to excess. It’s important that those with high blood pressure receive appropriate treatment and support.