Symptoms:

The symptoms depend on the location of the aneurysm. If the aneurysm occurs near the body's surface, pain and swelling with a throbbing mass is often seen.

Aneurysms within the body or brain often cause no symptoms.

If an aneurysm ruptures, low blood pressure, high heart rate, and lightheadedness may occur. The risk of death after a rupture is high.

Signs and tests:

The health care provider will perform a physical exam.

Tests used to diagnose an aneurysm include:

• CT scan
• Ultrasound

Treatment:

Surgery is generally recommended. The type of surgery and when you need it depends on your symptoms and the size and type of aneurysm.

Some patients may have endovascular stent repair. A stent is a tiny tube used to prop open a vessel or reinforce it's wall. . This procedure can be done without a major cut, so you recover faster than you would with open surgery. Not all patients with aneurysms are candidates for stenting, however. See: Endovascular embolization

Expectations (prognosis):

With successful surgical repair, the outlook is often excellent.

Complications:

The main complications of aneurysm include:

• Compression of nearby structures such as nerves, which may lead to weakness and numbness (most common with aneurysms that occur in the artery behind the knee)
• Infection, can lead to body-wide illness and rupture
• Rupture, which can cause massive bleeding that may lead to death

Massive bleeding is commonly seen with abdominal aortic aneurysms, mesenteric artery aneurysms, and splenic artery aneurysms.

Rupture of brain aneurysms can cause stroke, disability, and death. For more information, see: Cerebral aneurysm

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider for if you develop a lump on your body, whether or not it is painful and throbbing.

Prevention:

Control of high blood pressure may help prevent some aneurysms. Following a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and keeping your cholesterol at a healthy level may also help prevent aneurysms or their complications.