An aneurysm is a wall of the artery that widens or swells, thinning the blood vessel. A ruptured aneurysm occurs when the wall ruptures, causing bleeding. Ruptured aneurysms occur most often in the brain, aorta, and legs, although an aneurysm, and a rupture, can occur anywhere in the body. The death rate for a ruptured aneurysm depends on the location of the aneurysm, the extent of the rupture, and how quickly it is treated. There are numerous warning signs of a ruptured aneurysm.
The brain, or cerebral aneurysms, are generally congenital and are caused by an abnormal arterial wall; High blood pressure, trauma, or tumors can also cause brain aneurysms. People with brain aneurysms are at higher risk of rupture if they again have high blood pressure, smoke, or abuse alcohol or drugs. The location of the aneurysm in the brain and the size can also affect the risk of rupture.
A ruptured aneurysm in the brain will leak blood into the surrounding tissue. A ruptured brain aneurysm also often causes bleeding between the brain and the skull, known as a subarachnoid hemorrhage. This can lead to severe brain damage, paralysis, or death. According to some medical authorities, 40 percent of people with ruptured brain aneurysms die within 24 hours, and another 25 percent die from complications within six months of rupturing.
Aortic aneurysms occur in the main artery leading away from the heart. A ruptured aortic artery aneurysm is a critical medical problem that requires immediate treatment. Delaying treatment for the rupture causes a massive leakage of blood into the body, causing death within minutes or hours.
About 75 percent of aortic aneurysms and ruptures occur in the abdomen area, while 25% occur in the thoracic area. Risk factors for ruptured aortic aneurysms include high blood pressure, connective tissue disorders, and previous trauma. Men and the elderly are also more likely to experience aortic aneurysms and ruptures. According to medical experts, less than 40 percent of people survive abdominal aortic aneurysm ruptures.
A ruptured aneurysm can also occur in the arteries in the legs, especially behind the knee. Although a ruptured leg aneurysm can cause bleeding, this condition is not as serious as a ruptured brain or aortic aneurysm. The survival rate is high when the rupture is treated surgically.
Warning signs of an impending ruptured aneurysm in the brain can include extreme headaches, vomiting, a stiff neck, or loss of consciousness. Symptoms of a ruptured aortic aneurysm include sudden severe pain in the abdomen, chest, and back, shock, and loss of consciousness. Aneurysms ruptured elsewhere may be accompanied by sudden, severe, localized pain, numbness, or loss of circulation.