How to Treat an Aneurysm

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Recognize the symptoms of an aneurysm and seek immediate medical treatment.

   Besides bulging in a specific area of the body, symptoms may include back or abdominal pain, severe headaches, vision changes, nausea, clammy skin, rapid heart rate and speech impairment.
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   Step 2: Get tests to confirm an aneurysm.

   The doctor diagnoses the condition based on results from an X-ray, a CT scan or an ultrasound. , This option applies if the aneurysm is less than 1 inch (3 mm) or if surgery would be risky. ,, Your doctor can help you determine the correct dose for the medication. , For more serious cases, your doctor may recommend surgical clipping and endovascular coiling may treat a brain aneurysm.
   
   In endovascular coiling, the surgeon inserts a catheter into an artery to disrupt the aneurysm.
   
   In surgical clipping, the doctor inserts a metal clip onto the problem area to stop blood flow to the aneurysm. ,, If the aneurysm is small and not ruptured, then the doctor may prescribe beta blockers to lower blood pressure and statins to lower cholesterol. , In surgery, the doctor will replace the aorta with a fabric graft. , For this, the doctor uses a small plastic tube to hold open the artery to prevent the aneurysm from becoming worse. ,, The doctor may check the aneurysm every year through an ultrasound to monitor progression. , In open repair surgery, the doctor will cut into the abdomen and replace a damaged abdominal vessel with a graft. , The doctor performs this procedure by inserting a graft without cutting into the abdomen.
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   Step 3: Seek bed rest and limit physical activities if you do not need surgery.

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   Step 4: Take medicine prescribed by the doctor to prevent potential seizures.

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   Step 5: Take acetaminophen to relieve headaches.

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   Step 6: Consider aneurysm surgery.

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   Step 7: === Treatment Options for an Aortic Aneurysm ===

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   Step 8: Explore medical monitoring options.

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   Step 9: Prepare for surgery if the aneurysm is at least 2 inches (approximately 5 cm).

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    Step 10: Consider endovascular stenting as another option.

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    Step 11: === Treatment for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm ===

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    Step 12: Monitor the abdominal aneurysm if it is small and nonthreatening.

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    Step 13: Plan for open repair surgery if the abdominal aneurysm is larger than 2 inches (or approximately 5 cm) and it causes complications

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    Step 14: such as bleeding in the body.

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    Step 15: Consider endovascular stent grafting to repair an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Detailed Guide

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