An aneurysm is a condition where an individual obtains a swelling or bump on the aorta that carries blood. The growth of the swelling is due to a weakened wall of the aorta. The weakness occurs at different places, and it is not possible to detect unless there is a rupture.
Can Aneurysms Leak?
Although the swelling occurs at different locations, leakage is possible when there is a rupture. The leakage causes a severe effect on the health and damages the surrounding nerves, tissues, and blood vessels. Many people die because of a rupture and even before they reach the hospital for immediate surgery.
Doctors are yet to establish concrete evidence or proof that explains the formation of an aneurysm in the human body. However, according to the case studies, doctors relate the condition mainly to a family inheritance, high B.P (blood pressure), and use of tobacco products. Other reasons can vary from one person to another and depends on the lifestyle.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing an aneurysm is difficult, as it does not show the symptoms. People only experience pain in the affected region. Additionally, the size of an aneurysm also plays a crucial role in diagnosis. Not anything below the size of 5 centimeters is a threat to the life. When detected in this period, it is possible to offer the right treatment and ensure safety. When there is a growth in the size, it requires attention and a doctor seeks a surgery based on the symptoms displayed by the patient.
In many situations, finding the presence occurs when an individual is undergoing treatment for any other illness. Scans such as CT scan, MRI scan, X-ray, and angiography unveil the presence of the same. The results are helpful in locating an aneurysm, the size, and the shape. Such information is essential for the doctor to think about the treatment procedure. Although the operation is the only cure when there is a leakage, it can be risky as well due to the involvement of factors that pose a threat to life post-operation. Therefore, treating an aneurysm is a tedious task, and a physician considers all the aspects before reaching a decision.
Treatment
When the size of an aneurysm is small, the doctor will place the patient under observation. There are fewer chances for such aneurysms to rupture. In such a stage, the physician will offer instructions that help in improving the condition of the patient. They include a change in the diet plan to reduce the high blood pressure and to refer to a therapist who helps in quitting smoking or the use of tobacco products.
When the size is big, or there is a leakage, the person requires immediate surgery. However, the doctor scans for the location to obtain knowledge about the site and its situation. Based on this, one decides to operate. An operating helps in closing the leakage using a catheter tube, which helps in maneuvering the blood flow away from the affected portion.
Risk Factors
Even after a successful aneurysm surgery, patients experience risk factors that are life-threatening. These include permanent damage to the cells, blood vessels, or permanent disability. They also enter a shock, become non-responsive to several actions, and experience pain.
For those with an allergic condition to medicines, substances, and others, it is preferable to consult with the surgeon prior to the operation, as it will help the doctor to look at other ways to operate.
- Cleveland Clinic. (2021). Aneurysm. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17547-aneurysm
- Mayo Clinic. (2022). Aneurysms. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/brain-aneurysm/symptoms-causes/syc-20361483
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