What is an Aneurysm?
Quick Facts
- An aneurysm is a bulge in a weakened artery wall.
- An aneurysm may not cause symptoms.
- A sudden rupture of an aneurysm can be a medical emergency.
An aneurysm occurs when part of an artery wall weakens, allowing it to abnormally balloon out or widen.
The causes of aneurysms can be unknown. Some people are born with them. They can also be hereditary. In other cases, damage from diseases of the aorta, high blood pressure or trauma can cause an aneurysm to form.
A family history of aneurysm may increase your risk for developing one. Other risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol and tobacco use.
Aneurysms can occur in any artery. The most common are:
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm ‒ occurs in the belly.
- Cerebral aneurysm ‒ occurs in an artery in the brain.
- Thoracic aortic aneurysm ‒ occurs in the chest.
- Popliteal artery aneurysm ‒ occurs in the artery behind the knee.
Others include:
- Mesenteric artery aneurysm ‒ occurs in the artery that supplies blood to the intestines.
- Splenic artery aneurysm ‒ occurs in an artery of the spleen.
Learn more about the different types of aneurysms.
What are symptoms of an aneurysm?
Aneurysms can develop over many years and often cause no symptoms.
If an aneurysm expands quickly or ruptures, symptoms may come on suddenly. Specific symptoms depend on the location of the aneurysm. They can include:
- Severe headache
- Pain in the abdomen or back
- Pulsating abdominal mass
- Dizziness
- Vision changes
- Confusion or altered mental status
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing
- High-pitched breathing sound
- Swelling in the neck or face
- Chest or upper back pain
- Nausea and vomiting
Emergency symptoms of aneurysm rupture may include:
- Sense of impending doom
- Shock (low blood pressure, rapid heart rate, clammy skin, decreased awareness)
Your health care professional can use an ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, and angiogram diagnose an aneurysm.
How is an aneurysm treated?
An aneurysm can become a medical emergency. Call 911 or your local emergency number right away if you or someone else has signs and symptoms of a possible aneurysm rupture.
If you’ve been diagnosed with an unruptured aneurysm, work with your health care professional to watch for any changes. You may need regular checkups depending on the aneurysm’s size, location and rate of growth.
Some aneurysms may need an intervention to reduce the risk of rupture:
Aortic aneurysms
Treatment may involve open surgical repair or endovascular repair using a stent graft to reinforce the artery wall and redirect blood flow.
Cerebral (brain) aneurysms
Treatment may include surgical clipping or endovascular coiling to close off the aneurysm from blood flow.
How can I lower the risk of an aneurysm?
To lower your risk for an aneurysm, maintain a healthy lifestyle. Some steps include:
