When talking aneurysms, the greatest health concern is a ruptured one. This scenario causes dangerous, very often fatal, internal bleeding. So here’s aneurysms story in hopes that if you have one, it is found early and treated.
An aneurysm is an artery wall bulge. Ofttimes aneurysms develop in the aorta, which is a large artery carrying oxygenated blood from your heart, through your chest and abdominal area.
A bulge along this stretch of artery is known an aortic aneurysm. If your protuberance happens to be in your chest section of the aorta, it is referred to as a thoracic aortic aneurysm. If your projection happens in your abdomen section, then it is called an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Aneurysms can also materialize in other arteries in your body, notably the brain. If a brain aneurysm erupts, it causes a stroke.
An aneurysm has the potential to grow quietly for years without causing you any symptoms. Your notice of one may be brought to you by a rupture or growing so large that it affects adjacent body parts.
Aneurysm symptoms vary, depending on location. So the following breaks them down into pre and post rupture symptoms by general locale.
If a brain aneurysm presses on cerebral nerves, then it can cause these symptoms:
- dilated pupil
- droopy eyelid
- double vision
- changes in vision
- above or behind eye pain
- weakness ~ one side face or body
- numbness ~ one side face or body
If a cerebral aneurysm ruptures, you can expect these resulting life threatening symptoms:
- stiff neck
- stroke signs
- nausea & vomiting
- loss of consciousness
- a sudden, severe headache
Any of these brain aneurysm symptoms require immediate medical attention.
Most abdominal aneurysms progressively grow for years absent symptoms. Symptoms that may be present are typically:
- cold, numb, tingling feet
- deep penetrating back or side pain
- long lasting, steady, gnawing abdominal pain
Sometimes, your health care professional may feel an abdominal aneurysm pulsating during a routine abdomen check. Should it rupture, symptoms may include:
- lightheadedness
- nausea & vomiting
- clammy, sweaty skin
- increased heart rate with standing up
- sudden, severe pain in your lower abdomen & back
A ruptured abdominal aneurysm will likely send you into shock due to massive internal bleeding.
A thoracic aortic aneurysm symptoms show up via:
- jaw pain
- coughing
- neck pain
- chest pain
- hoarseness
- upper back pain
- trouble breathing
Signs and symptoms of a peripheral aneurysm entail:
- gangrene
- painful sores on toes or fingers
- pulsating lump felt in your neck, arm, leg
- exercise induced leg, arm pain or cramping
A couple of conditions that are believed to be a cause for aneurysms are:
- syphilis
- vasculitis
- Marfan syndrome
- high blood pressure
- traumatic chest injury
The best way to prevent an aortic or brain aneurysm is to decrease your chances of developing one. Natural health prevention recommendations:
- control high cholesterol
- regular physical activity
- low fat & cholesterol diet
- control high blood pressure
Appears diet and exercise gets this bulge deterrent spotlight.
