I have been recently diagnosed with a basilar tip aneurysm that is 7mm x 5mm, I went to to Dr for some inflamed lymph nodes on my neck when the aneurysm was discovered. I have had a headache at the base of my head that is unrelieved by anything, tylenol will take the edge off but I feel like I am eating tylenol all day. The Doctor told me the same thing - oh aneurysm's don't cause any symptoms and really had me questioning my sanity for awhile. But the headache won't go away and has only been present for about a month or so now, I also get floaters in front of my eyes, especially the left eye and occasionally feel dizzy or just slightly "off". I've had an angiogram, CT, MRI/MRA and my experience was not a very pleasant one at that. I must have had some sort of reaction to the dye maybe from the angiogram and was sicker than a dog, nausea vomitting, pulsating pain in my head. They repeated the Ct and it showed that the thing had not ruptured so I got to go home. Now I sit here worried, I am a nurse and have worked in this Neuro type of field for 12 yrs. The neurosurgeon's first question to me was "Did your symptoms get worse after you found out the diagnosis?" Again making me question my sanity and whether or not I am psycho. But again I am just flat out scared and really even though I am in the medical field really don't know what to do ie...clipping vs coiling. I am seeking a second opinion from Dr Nussbaum in Minnesota. I am only 46 yrs old and I cry alot more now thinking about things, I just want to wake up tomorrow and this stupid nightmare be all over with. My husband tells me all of the time things will be OK, but why do I feel like they won't? or that we will be in ruins financially I still have kids at home and 1 in college. Please someone help alleviate my fears!!

Firstly, I am sure your husband is right, it will be fine; the good news is it is un-ruptured.

Five weeks ago I had a large (un-ruptured) fusiform aneurysm of the basilar artery treated with four stents and one coil; but I had spent the previous 15 months trying to decide between the risk of doing nothing (unlike you I had no symptoms) and the procedure. But once I had made the decision I felt much better and could focus on a positive outcome.

It term of treatment options, I guess this will depend on taking the best advice from the specialists; though I imagine the least invasive procedure is to be preferred.

I have just joined this site, and you may see my post asking for advice (ironic!) but this refers to post-op concerns which are much less of a problem than the worse case ‘do nothing’ scenario!

Whatever you decide to do, I wish you all the very best for the future – stay positive.
Tony

Hi

I know lots of people who experience headaches with their aneurysm, and their doctos (who only know the theory of this, which is no doubt written by people who have never had an aneurysm). It is possible that anxiety, fear and stress are playing a part here too - but that does not make it less real (or less painful and scary) to you.

Be guided by your neuro's advice. He or she will have seen and repaired lots of these and will take into account the location, size and your age and health status.

I am sure that your husband is right - and you are going to get this before it gets you. I have no doubt he is as scared as you - there might be a bit of bravado happening here, but it seems to be the 'man' thing to reassure and want to fix things, rather than talk about all of the more negative possibilities. (Sorry, Tony, if I am generalising too much )

Please know that there is lots of support here and lots of people who understand the fear that you are going through.

Bottom line - you got it first, there are options for treatment available to you, doctors only want a positive outcome, get a second opinion if you aren't sure.

Please take care. Send me a private message or post if I can help in any way.

Lyn