The recovery of an aneurysm depends on whether it has burst, with surgical repair leading to faster recovery but carrying risks. Aortic aneurysms are most common and can be treated with medication and lifestyle changes. Brain aneurysms can cause life-threatening emergencies and require immediate medical attention. Successful surgical repair leads to a good prognosis, with patients requiring monitoring after leaving the hospital.
Recovery of the aneurysm depends mainly on whether the aneurysm has burst. If the aneurysm has not burst, treatment may be observation or elective surgical repair. If surgical repair is done, recovery is faster than if the aneurysm burst, but carries the risk of postoperative symptoms inherent in all surgical procedures, such as infection and swelling, which can impact recovery time. If the aneurysm has burst, recovery from the aneurysm depends on a variety of factors, such as the type and location of the aneurysm, the amount of bleeding, and other medical conditions. The age and health of the patient and the time interval between the rupture and when medical care was administered also play a role in the chance of recovery.
An aneurysm is a weakened area of a blood vessel where blood pressure causes the weakened area to swell up like a balloon. There are three basic types of aneurysm classified by location: aortic aneurysm, cerebral aneurysm, and peripheral aneurysm. Aneurysms most commonly occur in the aorta, the body’s largest blood vessel that runs through the heart, and are commonly associated with high cholesterol or high blood pressure.
Most aortic aneurysms occur in the part of the aorta that runs through the abdomen, in which case they are known as abdominal aortic aneurysms. But 25% occur in the upper part of the aorta and are known as thoracic aortic aneurysms. Abdominal aortic aneurysms carry a higher risk of bleeding than thoracic aortic aneurysms. Fewer than 40% of patients survive after an abdominal aneurysm ruptures due to heavy bleeding. Patients who require immediate medical attention do better than patients who delay treatment, because bleeding can be minimized with prompt medical treatment.
In patients with an aortic aneurysm, recovery may depend on underlying conditions that may have contributed to the development of the aneurysm. Blood pressure and cholesterol levels will need to be treated with medications and lifestyle changes. If blood pressure and cholesterol levels are under control, the chance of recurrence is much lower.
Peripheral aneurysms can occur in areas of the body other than the aorta and brain. They commonly occur in the carotid artery, leg, or spleen. Rupture is less common in this type of aneurysm than in aortic or brain aneurysms. Most commonly, peripheral aneurysms can cause blockages that may require medication, a stent, or bypass surgery.
A brain or brain aneurysm usually causes no symptoms until it is very large or ruptures, causing stroke, coma, or death. Since a ruptured aneurysm in the brain can cause a life-threatening emergency situation, it is important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible as this can affect the chances of recovery of the aneurysm. About 25% of patients will not survive the first 24 hours after a brain aneurysm, and another 25% of brain aneurysm patients die within three months.
After successful surgical repair of any type of aneurysm, the prognosis for aneurysm recovery is generally very good. Patients who have had brain aneurysm repair may be in intensive care for a week or more and require monitoring after leaving the hospital. Other patients with aneurysm repair may stay in the hospital for 10 days. Aneurysm recovery is best for patients who have had mild symptoms.
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