Aneurysm
By: Carlos Linares, Irvin Cruz
What is Aneurysm? Who is most common to get it?
Aneurysm is a blood-filled balloon like bulge in the wall of a blood vessel. It can occur in any blood vessel, including aneurysms of the Circle of Willis in the brain, aortic aneurysms affecting the thoracic aorta, and abdominal aortic aneurysms.
The people most likely to get this are around 40-60 years of age.
Symptoms of Aneurysm
Symptoms depend on whether the aneurysm has ruptured or is affecting other parts of the body. Aneurysms can develop and grow for years without causing symptoms. They often don't cause signs or symptoms until they rupture or grow large enough to press on other parts of the body system.
How is Aneurysm diagnosed?
If you have an aortic aneurysm but no symptoms, your doctor may find it by chance during a routine physical exam. Doctors find aneurysms during tests done for other reasons, such as chest or abdominal pain. It also depends on where the aneurysm located.
Treatments
Aneurysms are treated with medicines and surgery. Small aneurysm that are found early and aren't causing symptoms may not need treatment. Treatment varies from watchful waiting to emergency surgery. The choice depends on the location, size, and condition of the aneurysm.
Prognosis
6 million people in United States have an unruptured brain aneurysm, and about 10% to 15% of these people will have more than one brain aneurysm, The survival rate for those with a ruptured brain aneurysm is about 60%, 40% die. For those who survive and recover, about 66% have some permanent brain defect, patients with small brain aneurysms that do not rupture about 80% have a very good prognosis while those who suffer a rupture have a fair to poor prognosis.
Aortic Aneurysm and Aortic Dissection
about me
Irvin Cruz
Carlos Cruz