What Are the Signs and Symptoms of an
Aneurysm?
The signs and symptoms of an aneurysm depend on its
type, location, and whether it has ruptured or is interfering with other
structures in the body. Aneurysms can develop and grow for years without
causing any signs or symptoms. It is often not until an aneurysm ruptures or
grows large enough to press on nearby parts of the body or block blood flow
that it produces any signs or symptoms.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Most abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) develop
slowly over years and have no signs or symptoms until (or if) they rupture.
Sometimes, a doctor can feel a pulsating mass while examining a patient's
abdomen. When symptoms are present, they can include:
- Deep penetrating pain in your back or the side of
your abdomen
- Steady gnawing pain in your abdomen that lasts
for hours or days at a time
- Coldness, numbness, or tingling in your feet due
to blocked blood flow in your legs
If an AAA ruptures, symptoms can include sudden,
severe pain in your lower abdomen and back; nausea and vomiting; clammy, sweaty
skin; lightheadedness; and a rapid heart rate when standing up. Internal
bleeding from a ruptured AAA can send you into shock. Shock is a
life-threatening condition in which the organs of the body do not get enough
blood flow.
Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm
A thoracic (chest) aortic aneurysm may have no
symptoms until the aneurysm begins to leak or grow. Signs or symptoms may
include:
- Pain in your jaw, neck, upper back (or other part
of your back), or chest
- Coughing, hoarseness, or trouble breathing
Cerebral Aneurysm
If a cerebral (brain) aneurysm presses on nerves in
your brain, it can cause signs and symptoms. These can include:
- A droopy eyelid
- Double vision or other changes in vision
- Pain above or behind the eye
- A dilated pupil
- Numbness or weakness on one side of the face or
body
If a cerebral aneurysm ruptures, symptoms can
include a sudden, severe headache, nausea and vomiting, stiff neck, loss of
consciousness, and signs of a
stroke. Signs of a stroke are similar to those listed above
for cerebral aneurysm, but they usually come on suddenly and are more severe.
Any of these symptoms require immediate medical attention.
Peripheral Aneurysm
Signs and symptoms of peripheral aneurysm may
include:
- A pulsating lump that can be felt in your neck,
arm, or leg
- Leg or arm pain, or cramping with exercise
- Painful sores on toes or fingers
- Gangrene (tissue death) from severely blocked
blood flow in your limbs
An aneurysm in the popliteal artery (behind the
knee) can compress nerves and cause pain, weakness, and numbness in your knee
and leg.
Blood clots can form in peripheral aneurysms. If a
clot breaks loose and travels through the bloodstream, it can lodge in your
arm, leg, or brain and block the artery. An aneurysm in your neck can block the
artery to the brain and cause a stroke.
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