Aneurysm
(Brain Aneurysm · Aortic Aneurysm)
In this condition factsheet:
Diagnosing Aneurysm
Sometimes, you'll feel symptoms that will alert your doctor to a possible aneurysm, or your doctor may feel the pulsations of the larger abdominal aneurysms with their hands when they examine the upper abdomen. They may also hear a murmur in the area as a result of turbulent blood flow. In either case, your doctor will order a scan. Ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT) scans can all locate aneurysms.
Treating and Preventing Aneurysm
If the aneurysm is discovered while it is still small and there are no symptoms, your doctor will generally recommend a watch-and-wait approach. This includes repeat exams and scans every 6 to 12 months. Depending on the location of the aneurysm, medications such as beta-blockers can be used to reduce the progression of an aneurysm, especially those in the aorta.
The treatment for a ruptured aneurysm is emergency surgery. The aneurysm is usually replaced with a synthetic graft or closed off with a clip. Sometimes a stent can be placed within the vessel to stabilize and close off the aneurysm. Treatment of a mycotic aneurysm involves taking antibiotics for a certain period of time, followed by removal of the aneurysm. Surgery is a lot safer if the aneurysm hasn't ruptured yet. If you're over 65 years of age and your family has a history of aneurysms or hemorrhagic stroke, you should ask for a screening scan.
Aneurysms under a certain size (their size depends on their location) rarely rupture. Abdominal aneurysms over 5.5 cm and thoracic aneurysms over 6 cm in diameter pose a real risk of rupture and are best treated surgically. Surgery to repair an aneurysm is major surgery and involves an incision. In some cases, surgeons have developed new techniques to close off the aneurysm without a large incision, by approaching them from the inside the artery (endovascular approach).
Screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm can be an effective way to help detect aneurysms early, especially for people who may be at risk (e.g., people with a history of smoking). If necessary, elective surgery can be performed to help prevent rupture of the aneurysm. Screening in men aged 65 to 80 years old can be effective to reduce the number of ruptures.
Whatever your genetic profile, you can reduce your risk of aneurysm and rupture by:
- eating a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables
- eating less salt
- exercising
- losing weight
- quitting smoking
- keeping your blood pressure under control
The blood pressure-lowering medication propranolol* and other types of beta-blockers may reduce the risk of enlargement and rupture of detected aneurysms.
*All medications have both common (generic) and brand names. The brand name is what a specific manufacturer calls the product (e.g., Tylenol®). The common name is the medical name for the medication (e.g., acetaminophen). A medication may have many brand names, but only one common name. This article lists medications by their common names. For information on a given medication, check our Drug Information database. For more information on brand names, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/condition/getcondition/Aneurysm
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