Symptoms of Aneurysms

The various symptoms of aneurysms usually depend on their type and location.

Congenital Aneurysms

The most common form of congenital aneurysm (the type you are born with) is one linked to the Circle of Willis, the ring of vessels that supply blood to most of the brain. Although these are usually symptomless and present no problems, they could cause a stroke in later life.

Aortic Aneurysms

Aortic aneurysms caused by atherosclerosis usually affect the descending aorta; the major vessel that carries blood to the abdomen and legs. This may present itself as a large swelling in the abdomen that pulsates with each heart beat. This may not be noticeable by the patient, but may be detected by a doctor during physical examination. Aortic aneurysms may cause abdominal pain and back pain as they become larger, and they may compress nerve roots, producing leg pain or numbness.

Although the stretched blood vessel may cause some discomfort, a far greater concern is the risk of rupture, which will cause considerable pain, massive internal haemorrhage, and may lead to a very swift death.

Cerebral Aneurysms

Unruptured cerebral aneurysms may cause a number of neurological symptoms, such as double vision, headaches and difficulties in walking. This arises from the bulging part of the vessel pressing against particular regions of the brain, interfering with their functioning.

Untreated cerebral aneurysms may leak or rupture into the meninges (the membranes that envelop the central nervous system) or the brain itself, leading to a subarachnoid haemorrhage or intracranial haematoma, both of which constitutes a stroke. Rupture of a cerebral aneurysm usually may cause a sudden, extremely severe, headache at the back of the head, and may be accompanied by neck stiffness, vision impairment, nausea and vomiting, loss of consciousness and in extreme cases, coma or death.

If the cerebral aneurysm has ruptured, doctors will often make use of the Hunt and Hess scale of subarachnoid hemorrhage severity, as shown in the following table: