An aneurysm is the abnormal enlargement or bulging of an artery caused by damage to or weakness in the blood vessel wall. Although aneurysms can occur in any type of the body’s blood vessels, they almost always form in an artery. Most aneurysms occur in the abdomen and the brain.
Some of the different types of aneurysms include:
- Abdominal / aortic – in an artery in the abdomen (mid-section) or closer to the heart
- Cerebral – in an artery in the brain
- Thoracic aortic – in an artery in the chest area
- Peripheral – in the large arteries that run down the legs and behind the knees
Abdominal / Aortic Aneurysms
An abdominal aortic aneurysm is an enlargement of the lower part of the aorta that extends through the abdominal area. The aorta is the main blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. An aortic aneurysm can rupture, causing life-threatening bleeding.
Causes of abdominal / aortic aneurysms include:
- Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) weakens artery walls
- High blood pressure (hypertension) speeds up damage to blood vessel walls
- Disease, such as diabetes, syphilis and Marfan’s syndrome or Turner’s Syndrome
- Injury
- Congenital defects, such as an inherited weakness in the blood vessel wall
- Heredity
- Nutritional: Low potassium and copper intake
Most people are unaware that they have an aneurysm because in most cases, there are no symptoms. However, a pulsating enlargement or tender mass may be felt by a physician when performing a physical examination or pain in the back, abdomen or groin may be mistaken for a kidney stone attack or a ruptured disc.
Conventional Treatment of Abdominal / Aortic Aneurysms
Small (less than 2 inches in diameter):
These rarely rupture and doctors usually prescribe blood pressure-lowering drugs. The patient’s condition is also regularly monitored.
Large (more than 2 inches in diameter)
The aneurysm is surgically removed and that portion of the blood vessel is replaced with a flexible tube called a graft.
Cerebral Aneurysms
A brain aneurysm is a weak bulging spot in an artery of the brain. It resembles a small, thin balloon or a weak spot on a tire inner tube. Brain aneurysms are often the result of a congenital weakness (present at birth) in the muscle layer of the blood vessel wall. They may also be caused by infections, injury and nutritional deficiencies
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A cerebral aneurysm may cause symptoms ranging from headaches, drowsiness, neck stiffness, nausea and vomiting to more severe symptoms such as mental confusion, vertigo (dizziness) and loss of consciousness.
A ruptured aneurysm is most often accompanied by a severe headache that demands medical attention. The doctor takes an X-ray of the area to determine the exact location of the aneurysm. This information determines the patient’s treatment options. A ruptured aneurysm can lead to bleeding inside the head. Often, the aneurysm heals, bleeding stops and the patient survives. In more serious cases, the bleeding may cause brain damage with paralysis or coma. In the most severe cases, a ruptured cerebral aneurysm can lead to death.
Brain aneurysms can be detected by imaging tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed axial tomography (CAT scans) and angiograms.
Conventional Treatment of Cerebral Aneurysms
Patients with cerebral aneurysm require intensive care and as little stress as possible. Once detected, most brain aneurysms can be repaired with microsurgery. This type of surgery is performed with the aid of an operating microscope and tiny instruments. During surgery, the aneurysm is identified and removed.