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An aneurysm develops when a blood vessel in an artery bulges or enlarges due to injury or a weakened vessel wall. Aneurysms can manifest anywhere, but they are most prevalent in the aorta (the heart's primary artery) and the brain. The size of an aneurysm can vary, influenced by factors such as trauma, medical conditions, genetics, or congenital issues. As an aneurysm increases in size, the risk of rupture and severe bleeding rises significantly. Many aneurysms are asymptomatic and carry a high mortality rate (between 65%-80%), underscoring the importance of immediate medical attention.
Procedures
Spotting a Cerebral Aneurysm
Take note of sudden and intense headaches. A ruptured brain aneurysm can lead to a sudden, severe headache. This type of headache serves as a primary indicator of a ruptured brain aneurysm.
- The headache is typically more severe than any previous headaches you've experienced.
- It often affects a specific area, corresponding to the side of the head where the artery ruptured.
- For instance, if the artery near your eye bursts, it will cause intense pain radiating into your eye.
- Additional symptoms may include nausea, confusion, and/or vomiting.
Observe vision disturbances. Double vision, reduced vision, blurred vision, or blindness can indicate a cerebral aneurysm. These vision issues arise from pressure on the arterial wall near the eyes, restricting blood flow.
- Pressure on the optic nerve can cause blurry or double vision.
- Blindness can result from inadequate blood flow to the retina (ischemia).
Check for dilated pupils in a mirror. Dilated pupils often signal a cerebral aneurysm, caused by arterial blockage near the eyes. Typically, one pupil will be significantly more dilated and less responsive to light than the other.
- The enlarged pupil is due to blood pressure within the brain.
- Dilated pupils may suggest a recent aneurysm, as they indicate artery damage near the eyes.
Be aware of eye pain. Intense eye pain or throbbing can occur during a cerebral aneurysm.
- This pain is localized if the affected artery is near the eyes.
- The pain is typically one-sided, corresponding to the area of the brain with the aneurysm.
Notice if your neck is stiff. A stiff neck may result from an aneurysm affecting nerves in the neck due to a ruptured artery.
- Pain in the neck does not have to be precisely at the site of the ruptured artery.
- Nerve pathways extend along the neck and head, causing pain beyond the aneurysm location.
Assess for unilateral weakness. Weakness on one side of the body can indicate an aneurysm, depending on which brain hemisphere is affected.
- Right hemisphere impact leads to left-sided body weakness.
- Left hemisphere impact causes right-sided body weakness.
Immediately seek medical assistance.
Ruptured brain aneurysms are fatal in approximately 40% of cases, with about 66% of survivors experiencing some form of brain damage. If you have any of the symptoms mentioned above, contact emergency services (such as 911 in the US or 999 in the UK) right away.
- Experts advise against driving yourself or having a family member drive you to the hospital due to the rapid debilitation caused by aneurysms, making it unsafe to operate a vehicle.
- For your safety and that of others, call an ambulance. Paramedics can transport you to the hospital more quickly and perform life-saving procedures during transit.
Identifying an Aortic Aneurysm
Understand the different types of aortic aneurysms. Aneurysms in the aorta can be categorized as abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) or thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA). The aorta is the main artery supplying blood to the heart and extremities, and an aneurysm affecting it can be divided into two subtypes:
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA): This type occurs in the abdominal area and is fatal in 80% of cases.
- Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA): Located in the chest area above the diaphragm, a TAA enlarges a section near the heart, impacting the heart-aorta valve and causing blood backflow and cardiac muscle damage.
Pay attention to intense abdominal or back pain. Sudden and severe stomach or back pain can indicate an abdominal or thoracic aortic aneurysm.
- The pain results from pressure exerted by the bulging artery on nearby organs and muscles.
- It usually persists and is not relieved by changing positions.
Take note of nausea and vomiting. If you experience nausea and vomiting along with severe abdominal or back pain, you may have a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm.
- Constipation, difficulty urinating, and abdominal rigidity may also occur suddenly.
Check for signs of dizziness. Dizziness can be a symptom of a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm due to significant blood loss.
- Dizziness might lead to fainting. If you experience dizziness along with other symptoms, it's advisable to sit down or lie down carefully
Monitor your heart rate. An abrupt increase in heart rate can be a response to internal blood loss and anemia caused by a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Check if your skin feels clammy. Clammy skin can be a distinct symptom of an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
- This occurs due to an embolus (a moving blood clot) formed by the abdominal aneurysm, affecting the skin's surface temperature.
Be vigilant about sudden chest pain and high-pitched breathing. As thoracic aortic aneurysms occur in the chest region, the enlarged aorta can press against the chest, causing pain and a high-pitched sound while breathing.
- This chest pain is often sharp and intense.
- Dull chest pain is usually not associated with an aneurysm.
Attempt to swallow and note any difficulty. Difficulty in swallowing can indicate the presence of a thoracic aortic aneurysm.
- The enlarged aorta can exert pressure on the esophagus, making swallowing challenging.
Check for hoarseness in your voice while speaking. An enlarged artery can compress the laryngeal nerve, affecting the vocal cords and causing a hoarse voice.
- This hoarseness typically occurs suddenly, unlike the gradual onset seen with a cold or flu.
Confirming a Diagnosis
Consider getting an ultrasound for an initial diagnosis. Ultrasound is a painless procedure that uses sound waves to create images of specific body parts.
- This test is specifically used for diagnosing aortic aneurysms.
Opt for a computed tomography scan (CT Scan). This imaging technique uses X-rays to capture detailed pictures of bodily structures. It's a non-invasive method that is especially useful for diagnosing aneurysms or ruling out other conditions.
- During the scan, a contrast dye may be injected to enhance visibility of the aorta and other arteries.
- A CT scan can detect various types of aneurysms.
- It's advisable to include a CT scan in routine check-ups to detect aneurysms early.
Explore magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as an option. MRI uses magnets and radio waves to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body. It's a painless procedure that is effective for identifying, locating, and measuring aneurysms.
- MRI can generate 3D cross-sectional images of blood vessels in the brain, unlike traditional 2D imaging.
- This method is suitable for diagnosing various types of aneurysms.
- In some cases, MRI and cerebral angiography are combined for enhanced diagnostic accuracy.
- Unlike X-rays, MRI does not involve radiation, making it safe for individuals who need to avoid radiation exposure, such as pregnant women.
Consider angiography to examine the inner artery structure. This procedure uses X-rays and special dyes to visualize the affected artery's interior.
- It reveals the extent and severity of artery damage, including plaque buildup and blockages.
- Cerebral angiography specifically detects cerebral aneurysms and involves inserting a small catheter through the leg into the circulatory system.
- This procedure pinpoints the precise location of the ruptured artery in the brain.
- Following dye injection, detailed MRI or X-ray images are taken to map the brain's blood vessels.
Understanding Aneurysms
Learn about the causes of cerebral aneurysms. These occur when brain arteries weaken, forming balloon-like structures that can rupture, leading to hemorrhagic syndrome due to continuous brain bleeding.
- Most brain aneurysms develop in the subarachnoid space between the brain and skull bone.
Identify your risk factors. Both cerebral and aortic aneurysms share several risk factors, some controllable through lifestyle choices.
- Smoking significantly increases the risk of both types of aneurysms.
- Hypertension damages blood vessels and the aorta lining.
- Aging and inflammation contribute to aneurysm risk.
- Trauma and infections also play a role.
- Substance abuse, gender, and certain inherited conditions can elevate aneurysm risk.
Quit smoking to reduce aneurysm risks. Smoking is a major contributor to brain and abdominal aortic aneurysms, with a history of smoking present in 90% of aortic aneurysm cases.
- Quitting smoking promptly helps lower these risks.
Monitor your blood pressure. High blood pressure can damage cerebral blood vessels and the aorta, leading to aneurysm development.
- Weight loss, regular exercise, and alcohol moderation can help lower blood pressure.
Maintain a healthy diet. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein supports vascular health and reduces aneurysm risks.
- Limit sodium intake and focus on soluble fiber and healthy fats to control cholesterol levels.
