The chances of surviving an aneurysm vary depending on its size, its location, the person’s age and their general health. However, in most cases it is possible to live for more than 10 years with an aneurysm, without ever showing any symptoms or having any complications.
Furthermore, many cases can undergo surgery after diagnosis, to remove the aneurysm or strengthen the walls of the affected blood vessel, almost completely reducing the chances of rupture. However, the diagnosis is very difficult and, therefore, many people only find out when the rupture occurs or when they undergo a routine examination that ends up identifying the aneurysm.
See some signs that may indicate the presence of an aneurysm.
Symptoms of aneurysm rupture
Symptoms of an aneurysm rupture vary depending on its location. The two most common types are aortic aneurysm and cerebral aneurysm, and in these cases, symptoms include:
Aortic aneurysm
- Sudden intense pain in the stomach or back;
- Pain that radiates from the chest to the neck, jaw or arms;
- Difficulty breathing;
- Feeling of fainting;
- Paleness and purplish lips.
Aneurisma cerebral
- Very intense headache;
- Nausea and vomiting;
- Blurry vision;
- Severe pain behind the eyes;
- Difficulty walking;
- Weakness and dizziness;
- drooping eyelids
If you experience more of these symptoms, or if an aneurysm is suspected, it is very important to go to the emergency room immediately or call for medical help by calling 192. An aneurysm is an emergency situation and, therefore, the more Treatment is started earlier, the greater the chances of survival and the lower the risk of sequelae.
When there is a greater chance of breakup
The risk of an aneurysm rupturing increases with aging, especially after the age of 50, because the walls of the arteries become more fragile and, therefore, can end up rupturing under blood pressure. Furthermore, people who smoke, drink a lot of alcohol or suffer from uncontrolled high blood pressure also have a higher risk of rupture.
Regarding the size of the aneurysm, in the case of a cerebral aneurysm, the risk is greater when it is more than 7 mm, or when it is more than 5 cm, in the case of an abdominal or aortic aneurysm. In these cases, treatment with surgery to correct the aneurysm is generally indicated, after risk assessment by the doctor. Understand how treatment is carried out in the case of cerebral aneurysm and aortic aneurysm.
Can pregnancy increase the risk of rupture?
Although a woman’s body goes through several changes during pregnancy, there is no increased risk of an aneurysm rupturing, even during childbirth. However, many obstetricians prefer to opt for a cesarean section to reduce the stress caused by natural birth on the body, especially if the aneurysm is very large or if there has been a previous rupture.
Possible sequelae of aneurysm
The biggest complication of a ruptured aneurysm is the risk of death, as the internal bleeding caused by the rupture can be difficult to stop, even with appropriate treatment.
However, if it is possible to stop the bleeding, there is still the possibility of other consequences, especially in the case of a cerebral aneurysm, as the pressure from the hemorrhage can cause injuries to the brain, which end up generating complications similar to those of a stroke, such as muscle weakness, difficulty moving a part of the body, memory loss or difficulty speaking, for example. See a list of other after-effects of bleeding in the brain.
