The chances of surviving an aneurysm vary according to its size, location, age and general health. However, in most cases it is possible to live for more than 10 years with an aneurysm, without ever having any symptoms or having any complications.
In addition, many cases can be operated after diagnosis, to remove the aneurysm or strengthen the walls of the affected blood vessel, reducing the chances of rupture almost completely. However, the diagnosis is very difficult and, therefore, many people only end up knowing when the rupture occurs or when they undergo a routine examination that ends up identifying the aneurysm.
Here are some signs that may indicate the presence of an aneurysm.
Symptoms of aneurysm rupture
Symptoms of an aneurysm rupture vary according to its location. The two most common types are aortic aneurysms and cerebral aneurysms and, in these cases, symptoms include:
Aortic aneurysm
- Sudden severe pain in the belly or back;
- Pain radiating from the chest to the neck, jaw or arms;
- Difficulty breathing;
- Feeling faint;
- Paleness and purplish lips.
Brain aneurysm
- Very severe headache;
- Nausea and vomiting;
- Blurry vision;
- Severe pain behind the eyes;
- Difficulty walking;
- Weakness and dizziness;
- Eyelids drooping.
If you have more of these symptoms, or if an aneurysm is suspected, it is very important to go immediately to the emergency room or call for medical help by calling 192. The aneurysm is an emergency and therefore the more treatment is started sooner, the greater the chances of surviving and the risk of sequelae is lower.
When there is a greater chance of breakage
The risk of a ruptured aneurysm increases with aging, especially after the age of 50, because the walls of the arteries become more fragile and, therefore, may end up breaking with blood pressure. In addition, people who smoke, who drink a lot of alcoholic beverages, or who suffer from uncontrolled high blood pressure, also have a higher risk of breakup.
Already related to the size of the aneurysm, in the case of 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 abdominal or aortic aneurysm. In such cases, treatment with surgery to correct the aneurysm is usually indicated after the risk has been assessed by the physician. Understand how treatment is done in the case of cerebral aneurysm and aortic aneurysm.
Can pregnancy increase the risk of breakup?
Although a woman's body undergoes several changes during pregnancy, there is no increased risk of an aneurysm rupture, even during childbirth. However, many obstetricians prefer to opt for cesarean section to reduce the stress caused by natural childbirth on the body, especially if the aneurysm is very large or if a previous tear has already occurred.
Possible sequels of the aneurysm
The biggest complication of aneurysm rupture is the risk of death, since the internal bleeding caused by the rupture can be difficult to stop, even with proper treatment.
However, if it is possible to stop the bleeding, there is still the possibility of other sequelae, especially in the case of cerebral aneurysm, since the pressure of the hemorrhage can cause brain injuries, which end up generating complications similar to a stroke, such as muscle weakness, difficulty moving a body part, loss of memory or difficulty speaking, for example. See a list of other sequelae of bleeding in the brain.
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