Abdominal aneurysm symptoms depend on many factors, primarily the size of the aneurysm and whether or not it has ruptured. Small non-ruptured aneurysms usually cause no symptoms and are commonly found during examinations for other conditions or symptoms. Very large varieties may cause abdominal pain and bloating, although sometimes these go unnoticed or are mistaken for gastrointestinal upset. Ruptured aneurysms may cause severe pain, and are often fatal.
Small abdominal aneurysm symptoms are often nonexistent. Patients who have them oftentimes do not realize it until they are detected during an exam for an unrelated medical condition. Treatment may be minimal, although the patient will need to go for regular exams to ensure that the aneurysm is not growing or prone to rupture. If the person has a particularly high risk of rupture, due to poor health, an unhealthy diet, or drinking habits, the aneurysm may be removed even if no symptoms are present.
The most common abdominal aneurysm symptoms are a bloated feeling in the abdomen and pain. Patients may also feel pain in the back or an unusual pulsing sensation. The severity of these symptoms will mostly depend on the exact size and location of the growth. These types are normally surgically removed, typically by cutting off blood flow in the area. This causes the aneurysm to shrivel up and eventually disappear.
If an aneurysm grows suddenly, symptoms may become severe very quickly as the mass begins pressing against nerves in the abdomen and back. Pain is often felt in the center of the abdominal cavity, although this will vary based on the exact location of the aneurysm. Rapidly growing aneurysms are at a particularly high risk for rupturing if growth isn’t halted.
Ruptured abdominal aneurysm symptoms may come on suddenly and may include severe pain in the abdomen and back and sometimes a sudden and severe drop in blood pressure. These aneurysms are often fatal, and sometimes the first and only symptom is death, primarily in cases of a small aneurysm rupture since these are most often missed. Patients may survive if symptoms are noticed and medical attention is received immediately. Ruptured abdominal aneurysms are survivable more frequently than their cerebral counterparts, but swift medical care is needed.
Anyone who experiences severe abdominal pain accompanied by dizziness, bloating, or any other painful symptoms should seek medical attention. In most cases, these symptoms will be the signs of a non-serious condition like irritable bowel syndrome. Sometimes, however, a more severe medical condition may be to blame.