Aneurism - Symptom, Causes, Treatment

An aneurysm is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of a blood vessel. It may result from congenital defects, preexisting conditions such as high blood pressure and atherosclerosis, or head trauma. Aneurysms most commonly occur in arteries at the base of the brain and in the aorta this is an aortic aneurysm. Aneurysms may also be due to an inherited disease such as the Marfan syndrome. A small, unchanging aneurysm will produce no symptoms. Before a larger aneurysm ruptures, the individual may experience such symptoms as a sudden and unusually severe headache, nausea, vision impairment, vomiting, and loss of consciousness, or the individual may be asymptomatic, experiencing no symptoms at all. People who have survived a rupture of a brain aneurysm are twice as likely as the general population to develop another aneurysm. If a second aneurysm occurs, these people are 6 times more likely to have another ruptured aneurysm and bleeding in their brain.

Most aneurysms occur in the aorta. The aorta is the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. The aorta comes out from the left ventricle of the heart and travels through the chest and abdomen. Most aneurysms are small and slow growing and rarely rupture. Less commonly, aneurysms are larger and faster growing and are at higher risk of rupturing. Because aneurysms can develop and become large before causing any symptoms, it is important to look for them in people who are at the highest risk. Depending on the size and rate at which it is growing, treatment for aortic aneurysm may vary from watchful waiting to emergency surgery. Aneurysms are very uncommon in patients below 20 years of age. Aneurysms are most common in older patients. Aneurysms are rare in childhood and adolescence. Aneurysms can develop and become large before causing any symptoms. Medicines and surgery are the two main treatments for aneurysms.

Causes of Aneurism

Some causes of Aneurism:

• Atherosclerosis (a build-up of fatty plaque in the arteries).
• A congenital abnormality.
• High blood pressure.
• Deep wounds, injuries, or infections of the blood vessels.
• Smoking.

Symptoms of Aneurism

Some symptoms of Aneurism:

• Neck stiffness.
• High heart rate.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• A droopy eyelid.
• Pain above or behind the eye.
• Sensitivity to light.
• Low blood pressure.
• Lightheadedness.

Treatment of Aneurism

Some most common treatmet of Aneurism:

• Medicines are used to reduce pressure, relax blood vessels, and reduce the risk of rupture.
• Beta blockers and calcium channel blockers are the medicines most commonly used.
• Surgery may be recommended if an aneurysm is large and likely to rupture.
• Some people are candidates for endovascular stent repair. A stent is a tiny tube used to prop open a vessel.

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