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Aneurism is a permanent ballooning in the wall of an artery. The pressure of blood passing
through can force part of a weakened artery to bulge outward, forming a thin-skinned
blister or sac.
What to look for
Although most aneurisms have
no symptoms, in some cases the following symptoms may occur:
Severe ripping or pulsing
type of pain, or a lump anywhere in your body where blood vessels are found.
Pain in the abdomen or
lower back extending into the groin and legs may indicate an abdominal aneurism, which can
sometimes be seen or felt as a throbbing lump and may be accompanied by weight loss or
loss of appetite.
A pain in the chest,
hoarseness, persistent
coughing, and difficulty swallowing may
indicate a thoracic aneurism.
A throbbing sensation or
lump directly behind the knee may indicate a peripheral aneurism… The knee is a
common site for this type of aneurism, especially in smokers.
A severe headache or very bad migraine accompanied by radiating neck pain,
may indicate a dissecting or rupturing berry aneurism in the head. Dissecting aneurisms,
most commonly characterised by severe pain, can also occur elsewhere in the body and are
always an emergency situation.
The gravest threat an
aneurism poses is that it will burst and cause a
stroke or
life-threatening haemorrhage…. But even if it doesn't rupture, a large aneurism can
impede circulation and promote unwanted
blood-clot
formation.
Any condition that causes
arterial walls to weaken or deteriorate can result in an aneurism. The most common
culprits are atherosclerosis and
high blood pressure.
Penetrating wounds and infections can also lead to an aneurism. Some types, such as berry
aneurisms, are the result of congenital, or inherited, weakness in artery walls.
Research has shown smoking
and a high fat diet may cause or worsen this problem.
Traditional Treatment
The only way to get rid of an
aneurism is to have it surgically removed… often a risky procedure, but highly
effective when successful. Sometimes, however, surgery is impossible, or it may pose more
danger than the aneurism. Careful monitoring and drug therapy may then be the best course.
See your doctor.
Alternative/Natural
Treatments
The following
treatments… all primarily intended to prevent aneurisms and should be pursued along
with, not instead of, your doctor's orders.
Homeopathy - For
a small, relatively benign aneurism, a professional homeopath might recommend Baryta
carbonica.
Mind/Body
Therapy - massage, yoga and meditation can be particularly helpful for this
problem.
Herbal
Treatments -
garlic, fish oils, tea made
of linden,
hawthorn and
nettle
as well as a
chamomile tea can be of help.
Dietary Considerations
Dietary changes that lower
blood pressure and slow atherosclerosis may help prevent an aneurism from developing. A
low fat diet is necessary.
When to seek further
professional advice
If you are suffering from any
of the above symptoms or you suspect you have an aneurism.
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