According to survivor stories at the Brain Aneurysm Foundation, it is in fact possible to survive. Take Stella for example. Her symptoms began with the most severe headache she ever had, which was accompanied by vomiting. She eventually passed out. Luckily, Stella’s co-workers called 911 immediately after she lost consciousness. Following surgery and treatment, Stella survived the aneurysm.
As it so happens, brain aneurysms, also called cerebral aneurysms, are not the only type of aneurysm. There are also aortic aneurysms, which can occur behind the heart and in the abdomen. A thoracic aortic aneurysm occurs in the chest and affects the aorta near the muscle that helps you breathe. This type of aneurysm can also happen in the upper back, but that is less common, and usually is due to a chest injury, like from a car accident. Abdominal aortic aneurysms take place below the arteries that supply the kidneys with blood. This is most common type of aortic aneurysm.
Now that you know it is possible to survive an aneurysm, you might want to know if there are any warning signs or symptoms that can help you detect an aneurysm before it becomes deadly.
Listening to what your body is telling you could be the difference between life and death. It is a good idea to know the warning signs and symptoms for an aneurysm. It could mean the difference between life and death.
Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms
If an artery wall in the aortic wall is debilitated, it causes a thoracic aortic aneurysm because the artery wall has ballooned. About 15,000 people per year are impacted by thoracic aortic aneurysms. Hardening of the artery walls is usually responsible for causing a thoracic aortic aneurysm. Smoking, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol are some of the leading causes of thoracic aortic aneurysms.
Many times, thoracic aortic aneurysms go undetected because people rarely notice the symptoms. They include pain in the jaw, neck, or upper back; chest or back pain; and coughing, hoarseness, and difficulty breathing. The most common of these symptoms are pain in the chest and back, which often affects both areas. Some less common symptoms are abdominal pain, weakness or numbness in the legs, loss of consciousness, and stroke-like symptoms.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
Just like thoracic aortic aneurysms, abdominal aortic aneurysms occur because the aorta has ballooned, causing a bulge. The aorta is important because it carries blood from the heart to all major areas of the body, like kidneys, legs, and arms. When the aorta is weakened, the blood’s pressure on the artery walls causes it to swell until it ruptures. Men who are age 65 and older are often advised to have routine screenings for an abdominal aortic aneurysm since they are the most likely group to be affected.
Similar to thoracic aortic aneurysms, abdominal aortic aneurysms can be difficult to identify. However, unlike thoracic aortic aneurysms, abdominal aortic aneurysms do not have clear-cut causes. It is thought by doctors that smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol levels, performing little-to-no exercise, and obesity can contribute.
Unfortunately, the declarative symptoms for an abdominal aortic aneurysm, like abdominal and back pain, often are misinterpreted for a less serious problem. However, if there is a total blockage of the artery, there may pain in the extremities like the feet or hands. Once the aneurysm ruptures though, there may be severe abdominal and back pain, followed by fainting. The rupture can also cause a quick drop in blood pressure.
Cerebral Aneurysm
Interestingly, cerebral aneurysms can take many different forms. However, nearly 90 percent of cerebral aneurysms are saccular aneurysms, with fusiform aneurysms and dissecting aneurysms being less common. Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease and Marfan’s Syndrome, which are both inherited, are some of the leading causes of cerebral aneurysms, along with traumatic brain injury, serious blood or brain infections, smoking, drug abuse, congenital problems with the arterial walls, and chronic high blood pressure. While women 40 years of age or older have an increased risk of cerebral aneurysm, so do those with a family history of cerebral aneurysms.
Unlike thoracic aortic aneurysms and abdominal aortic aneurysms, cerebral aneurysms have many symptoms. As was mentioned in Stella’s aneurysm survival story, headaches with pain above or behind the eyes can be a symptom of a cerebral aneurysm. Additionally, dilated pupils, drooping eyelids, sensitivity to light, doubled or blurred vision, numbness or weakness in one or both sides on the body, change in mental awareness state, trouble speaking, dizziness, trouble walking, vomiting and/or nausea, seizures, and loss of consciousness are all symptoms of a cerebral aneurysm. Often, unless a cerebral aneurysm ruptures, it can go undiagnosed.
Detecting an Aneurysm
While there is a way to be aware of the warning signs and symptoms associated with aneurysms, they often go undetected by doctors and patients alike. Unfortunately, symptoms can be misdiagnosed by a physician since they can be attributed to a host of other medical problems -- some severe and some slight. One of the best ways to figure out if you need to seek medical help for an aneurysm is to pay attention to your body.
Although aneurysms can often be deadly, those who seek immediate medical attention after a rupture have the highest chance of survival. Additionally, it may be comforting to note that not all aneurysms rupture.
Statistically, about 50 to 80 percent of aneurysms never actually rupture. That means a person can have an aneurysm in the body, but it may never lead to a rupture or the affected artery. As with any medical condition, you should always seek the advice of a physician about a potential aneurysm.