An aneurysm is a lump in the blood vessel walls that appears like a balloon or a bubble. This bubble-like bulge can bust and prompt internal bleeding that may lead to death. Aneurysm symptoms do not typically show when the bulge is not ruptured, so people are often unaware that they have bumps. The aneurysm may arise on different parts of your body, including the aorta (aortic aneurysm) and the brain (brain or cerebral aneurysm). Your aorta is the major artery of your body. It is the biggest, extending from the heart down to the legs. Arterial aneurysms usually occur within the aorta. Brain aneurysms arise within the deep-seated blood vessels of one’s brain. Internal hemorrhage by cerebral aneurysm happens to three percent of the population.
Aneurysms differ in proportions, and the small forms are unlikely to bust. Doctors can examine the size, location, and how likely your aneurysm can rupture. Through this inspection, your doctor can suggest the course of treatments that fit you best. The definite cause of an aneurysm is unknown, but experts link it to some conditions. The cerebral aneurysm may root from hypertension that debilitates the brain’s blood vessels. An aortic aneurysm may result from an atherosclerotic disease, which impairs the arteries.
Although aneurysm symptoms hardly manifest, this article explains symptoms that you should be aware of.
1. Swelling
Inflammation and pain are common symptoms of an aneurysm. Huge lumps in the body may appear.
2. Dizziness
Feelings of lightheadedness and a sudden rise in pulse rate may indicate a busted aneurysm. It is accompanied by bleeding and pain in the affected area. Ruptured aneurysm should not be neglected, and immediate medical intervention is advised.
3. Chest pain
Unruptured aortic aneurysm symptoms include throbbing in the torso, croaking, backache, neck strain, jaw pain, and coughing.
4. Downward aching
If your aortic aneurysm bursts, you will feel abrupt, intense aching that starts at the upper portion of your body going down to your neck, shoulders, torso, back, and upper limbs. You may find it difficult to breathe and swallow. You can also start to cough and get a croaky voice.
If you experience aortic aneurysm symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention. Your doctor examines your symptoms and performs a series of tests, including an X-ray, CT scan, and echocardiogram. Enlarged aortic aneurysms often demand surgery. A graft will substitute the impaired portion of the aorta. A graft is a human-made tube used for strengthening the weak walls of the aorta. Yearly consultations are advised to keep track of the aneurysm’ size or determine whether it recurs if it is already busted before. Some genetic medical conditions maximize the risk of developing aneurysms. People with these conditions should have routine check-ups. People with hypertension and individuals who smoke are also susceptible to any aneurysm. For some people, there are medications to minimize the risk.
5. Serious headache
A ruptured cerebral aneurysm characterizes through an extreme and abrupt headache. Patients who experienced this headache describe the pain as the most terrible ever. A sharp headache is often accompanied by disorganized thinking, sleepiness, vomiting, neck stiffness, pupil dilatation, convulsion, drooping eyelid, pain at the back of the eyes, passing out, abnormal vision, light sensitivity, face numbness, speech difficulty, and lack of normal body coordination.
If someone encounters the above symptoms, especially fainting and blacking out, emergency measures should be carried out. Call an ambulance and consent for due physiological tests.
6. Impaired vision
A brain aneurysm can be present without showing any signs and symptoms. If the condition progresses and the bulge grows larger, they can squeeze the nerves of your brain. A cerebral aneurysm that has not yet leaked or busted may manifest through abnormal vision. You can experience a sudden change in your eyesight where the surrounding appears double or hazy.
7. Slight headache
A ruptured cerebral aneurysm can cause severe headaches, but an unruptured one can be characterized by mild, frequent headaches. One characteristic of an unruptured aneurysm that makes it challenging to detect is its symptoms similar to other illnesses. Slight headaches can be present along with other symptoms like soreness above and behind your eyes, neck pains, dizziness, spasms, and facial paralysis. If you experience recurring headaches, you should seek medical advice.
