Symptoms of ANEURYSM

Symptoms vary according to the artery involved: Thoracic (chest) aneurysms may produce sudden and sharp pain in the chest, neck, back and abdomen. Abdominal aneurysms lead to back pain (sometimes severe), appetite and weight loss, and a pulsating mass in the abdomen. Am aneurysm in an artery of the leg may affect circulation to that leg. There may be weakness, pallor, swelling and a bluish discoloration of the skin. A pulsating mass may appear in the groin or behind the knee. Aneurysms in the brain are usually silent until they rupture. When they do, severe headaches are usually produced. The neck is stiff and the person is sensitive to light. If the hemorrhage is large or a significant part of the brain has been damaged, lethargy and coma can occur. Weakness, paralysis, visual loss, unequal pupils and blindness can occur. Aneurysms in the heart muscle frequently produce irregular heartbeats and signs of congestive heart failure.