Blurred vision that appears without warning. Or a deep, persistent pain in the abdomen that doesn’t seem to have an…
Sudden vision loss also requires emergency assessment, regardless of the suspected cause.
4. Dizziness, Fainting, and Loss of Consciousness
Dizziness is common and often has relatively minor explanations.
Dehydration, low blood pressure, inner-ear problems, and certain medications can all cause lightheadedness.
However, sudden collapse or loss of consciousness can sometimes occur during a serious vascular emergency.
A ruptured brain aneurysm may cause abrupt neurological deterioration, including confusion, reduced responsiveness, or unconsciousness.
A ruptured aortic aneurysm can cause major internal bleeding, leading to a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
The person may become pale, sweaty, weak, or faint.
These symptoms are especially concerning when accompanied by sudden severe pain in the head, chest, back, or abdomen.
Do not attempt to drive someone who is collapsing or losing consciousness to the hospital yourself if emergency medical services are available.
Call for immediate assistance.
5. Severe Abdominal or Back Pain
Aneurysms do not occur only in the brain.
An abdominal aortic aneurysm, often abbreviated as AAA, develops in the portion of the aorta passing through the abdomen.
Many abdominal aortic aneurysms cause no symptoms.
They are sometimes discovered during imaging performed for unrelated reasons.
When symptoms do occur, they may include persistent abdominal discomfort, back pain, or pain in the side of the body.
A sudden, severe pain in the abdomen or back can be a warning sign of rupture, particularly if it occurs with faintness, weakness, or signs of shock.
Because abdominal and back pain have many possible causes, symptoms alone cannot establish whether an aneurysm is present.
But sudden severe pain accompanied by collapse or extreme weakness is an emergency.
6. A Pulsating Sensation in the Abdomen
Some people with an abdominal aortic aneurysm notice a pulsating sensation near the belly button.
This can feel like a heartbeat in the abdomen.
However, feeling a pulse in the abdomen does not automatically mean someone has an aneurysm.
Healthy people, particularly those with a slender build, may notice normal aortic pulsations.
Conversely, many people with abdominal aortic aneurysms do not feel anything unusual.
A persistent or concerning pulsating sensation, especially in someone with risk factors, is worth discussing with a healthcare professional.
An ultrasound can help determine whether the aorta is enlarged.
Do not attempt to diagnose an aneurysm by repeatedly pressing on the abdomen.
7. Sudden Chest or Upper Back Pain
A thoracic aortic aneurysm develops in the portion of the aorta located within the chest.
Some thoracic aneurysms remain asymptomatic.
Others may cause chest or back discomfort, coughing, hoarseness, or difficulty swallowing if they press on nearby structures.
A serious related emergency is an aortic dissection, in which a tear develops in the inner layer of the aortic wall.
An aortic dissection is not the same as an aneurysm, although the conditions can be associated.
It may cause sudden, severe chest or back pain, sometimes described as tearing or ripping.
Other symptoms may include fainting, breathlessness, or neurological changes.
Sudden severe chest or back pain should never be dismissed, particularly when accompanied by other alarming symptoms.
Emergency evaluation is essential.
8. Neck Stiffness, Nausea, and Sensitivity to Light
When a brain aneurysm ruptures, blood can irritate the tissues surrounding the brain.
This may produce neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to bright light.
These symptoms can overlap with other conditions, including migraine and infections.
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