SOS – First Aid Tips for Aneurysm
The greatest risk with an aneurysm is that treatment the existing vascular bulge bursts. The resulting internal bleeding can become life-threatening in no time. Therefore, if an aneurysm bleeding is suspected, the emergency doctor must be called immediately.
Aneurysms can go unnoticed for a long time. However, if the vascular changes burst or rupture, this is associated with extreme pain. Aneurysms usually occur on the abdominal aorta (abdominal aorta). But aneurysms in other areas are also possible. Very severe pain is suspicious in the following parts of the body:
- in the abdomen
- in the chest
- in the head
- in the hollow of the knee
- at the heart
In addition to the extreme pain when tearing the aneurysm, dizziness, nausea and circulatory collapse can occur due to the high blood loss. Those affected often lose consciousness and must therefore be brought into a stable lateral position. Before any further first aid measures, you should first dial the emergency number 112. Aneurysm – Symptoms
Aneurysms are often initially completely inconspicuous and are usually only discovered as an incidental finding in connection with an examination for other reasons. This can be an ultrasound examination, sometimes an aneurysm is also localized on an X-ray. Typical signs of illness, on the other hand, are rather rare. They also differ greatly, depending on the location of the aneurysm.
The possible symptoms of an aneurysm at the abdominal aorta are:
- Perception of a pulsating bladder in the abdomen, partly palpable through the abdominal wall
- stabbing pain in the abdomen, both sitting, lying and standing
- back pain radiating into the legs
- in exceptional cases also digestive problems
The possible symptoms of an aneurysm at the main artery (aorta) in the chest:
- Chest pain
- Hoarseness
- abnormal breathing sounds
- Cough
- Respiratory problems
- Difficulty swallowing
The possible symptoms of an aneurysm in the brain are:
- extremely severe headaches, which can occur completely suddenly
- Numbness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Neck stiffness
- Sleepiness
- Paralysis
- Unconsciousness
- epileptic seizures
- Stroke
The possible symptoms of an aneurysm in the hollow of the knee are:
- Circulatory disorders caused by blood clots in the aneurysm
- Numbness, tingling and feeling cold in the lower leg
- Caution: Risk of pulmonary embolism
If one or more of the listed signs of illness occur, a medical examination should be carried out immediately. Aneurysms are usually treatable. Aneurysm – Causes
Aneurysms usually occur on the main artery (aorta), much less often in the brain. The balloon-shaped sacs can be congenital or there is an inherited tendency to the later formation of an aneurysm. If relatives are already affected by an aneurysm, the likelihood of also developing the disease increases. In some families, the disease occurs more frequently. In some hereditary diseases, among other symptoms, the development of an aneurysm is characteristic.
Another risk factor for aneurysms is advanced age. The vascular system loses elasticity with age. As a result, bulges can form on stressed weak points of the vessels, which increase in volume over time. An unhealthy lifestyle can also promote the development of an aneurysm. Lack of exercise and malnutrition damage the blood vessels and also reduce their elasticity.
Untreated high blood pressure can damage the vessel walls and thus promote the formation of an aneurysm. Arteriosclerosis (vascular calcification) also has an unfavorable influence on the development of this disease. Here, too, the lack of elasticity of the vessel walls and thus insufficient pressure compensation in the circulatory system leads to stretching and sagging of weak points in the artery.
Bacterial infections can lead to inflammation of the vessel walls. In this case, there is also an increased risk of developing an aneurysm. Examples include infections with tuberculosis or syphilis. But other infectious diseases can also have an adverse effect in this regard. Aneurysm – Forms of disease
Medicine distinguishes three different forms of aeurysms. Decisive here are the respective changes in the vessel walls, which have led to a sagging of the tissue of the artery. Aneurysm verum
In the so-called “true aneurysm”, all layers of the vessel wall are preserved undamaged. The balloon-like bulge of the vessel wall is formed jointly by all tissue layers. Aneurysm dissecans
Here, a single layer of the vascular wall of the artery is injured. As a result, blood collects between the layers of tissue. The vessel wall is strongly thickened. As a result, the blood vessel shows a bulge. One also speaks of a split aneurysm.Aneurysm spurium
In this case, the vascular wall is permeable in its entirety. The blood vessel is sealed only by surrounding tissue. A bruise often forms, which transforms into connective tissue over time. Actually, this is not a real aneurysm. This is why it is also called “false aneurysm”. This type of aneurysm often occurs during mechanical vascular injuries, for example during cardiac catheter examinations or interventions on the blood vessels.Aneurysm – Diagnosis
Since most people with an aneurysm feel no discomfort or only barely noticeable symptoms, the disease is often diagnosed only by chance. Often it is imaging examinations, which are carried out in a completely different context, that lead to the discovery of the pathological vascular change. But also when listening with the stethoscope, the doctor recognizes conspicuous flow noises in the main artery (aorta). In some cases, a protrusion pulsating in the heart rhythm can be seen under the abdominal wall.
The doctor asks about pre-existing conditions and, if necessary, about familial cases of aneurysms. He examines the patient for high blood pressure. In addition, he specifically inquires about complaints that are conceivable for the respective location of the aneurysm. Because the size of the aneurysm is extremely important for the decision on further treatment, the doctor resorts to imaging techniques. In most cases, he refers the patient to the practice of an X-ray specialist.Imaging examination methods
Depending on the position of the aneurysm in the head, chest or abdomen, sonography of the aorta or other blood vessels is performed. From the outside, for example, via a cardiac ultrasound or from the inside via a probe in the esophagus. Angiography can be used to visualize blood vessels in particular. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging also provide meaningful images of the condition of an aneurysm.
The outlook for patients is highly dependent on the size of the aneurysm. The rate at which the aneurysm gradually increases is another risk factor. Not all manifestations of the disease require immediate surgery. In milder cases, regular medical check-ups are sufficient. The goal is always to avoid a sudden rupture of the aneurysm. Because in this medical emergency, successful treatment is often no longer possible. There is an acute danger to life. And even if the patient’s life can be saved, serious consequential damage can occur. Aneurysm – Treatment
Whether an aneurysm is treated or not is a matter of consideration. In most cases, aneurysms of the aorta are only operated on from a diameter of 5.5 to 6 centimeters. Because from this size, the risk of a tear (rupture) increases significantly. The prerequisite for the operation is not least the patient’s state of health. The location and growth rate of the pathological vascular bulging are also crucial. The personal decision of the patient is also relevant. Because the operation of an aneurysm is stressful and not harmless. This applies in particular to interventions that have to be carried out in the brain. Operation Aortic Aneurysms