Aneurysm  Signs & Symptoms

Signs  and symptoms of aneurysm depend on the type  and location. The signs and symptoms also depend on  whether the aneurysm  has ruptured or is interfering with other muscles, organs and  structures in the body. The  signs and symptoms are  not known until an aneurysm ruptures or grows sufficiently  to press against nearby organs  or tissues or may  block the flow of blood. 

I.  Aortic Aneurysms:

1) Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm: Symptoms of thoracic  aortic aneurysm  are as follows: 

• Pain in jaw, neck, upper back or chest. 
• Cough hoarseness or experiencing trouble in breathing. 
• Pain in left shoulder or between shoulder blades. 

2) Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAAs): Symptoms of AAAs  include:

• Deep penetrating pain the  back or side of abdomen. 
• Steady gnawing pain in the abdomen lasting  for hours or days
• Coldness, numbness or tingling of  feet
• In case of rupture of  AAA symptoms include sudden severe pain in lower abdomen and back; nausea and vomiting; sweaty skin, light headedness  and rapid heart rate when standing up.

II. Cerebral Aneurysm:  Signs and symptoms of cerebral aneurysm are: 

• Drooping of eyelids 
• Double vision or blurred  vision
• Pain above or behind the eye
• A dilated pupil
• Numbness or weakness on one side of the face
• A  cerebral aneurysm rupture leads to sudden  severe headache, nausea and vomiting, stiff neck and  loss of consciousness. 

III. Peripheral Aneurysm:  Signs and symptoms of peripheral aneurysm are as follows: 

• Pulsating  lump felt in the neck, arm or leg
• Pain in the leg  or arm or cramping with exercise
• Painful sores on toes or fingers
• Gangrene (i.e., death of tissue) due to severe blocking of  blood in limbs
• An aneurysm in the popliteal artery can compress the nerves and cause pain, weakness and numbness in knee and leg (1) & (4).