Wait&Watch or Coil Unruptured Aneurysm
 

I am new to this site and would like others input on what direction to pursue. I have been having headaches for roughly 3 months consistently. I had an MRI that showed an incidental finding of an aneurysm. Last week I had a brain angiogram showing that is measures 4mm. The neurosurgeon gave me the options of wait and watch it with having scans done once a year or to have is coiled. I am 35 yrs old and healthy otherwise. I can see the up and down sides to both options and there is no true right answer. HOnestly nervous about the coil procedure yet also nervous to leave it untreated as well!!!

Any advice??
Thank you!!!

Hi there

Sorry that you have to face this question, but so glad that you have the option to deal with it before it deals with you.

I had a 5 mm aneurysm clipped a few years ago, when I was 35. Coiling was not an option for me because of its location. I won' t lie and say that it was an easy operation or recovery, but it has certainly given me peace of mind.

Of course, this is entirely your decision, but there is a lot to be said for having it repaired in a safe location and controlled by expert medical professionals, as opposed to risking a rupture. Coiling is a generally a very safe procedure (although nothing is completely risk free), whereas the chances of survival, or recovery wirthout deficit if it ruptures, are not good.

It is scary, and you have to be totally sure of your decision. You are young, and the risk will increase with every passing year.

If I can help in any way, please let me know.

Regards

Lyn

I am new to this site too.. And I had a brain aneurysm clipped after it ruptured, that was 4 years ago.. 3 weeks ago I had an MRI and it showed a new one measuring 2.5mm.. My last one ruptured at 1cm! Am now waiting for an appointment with the neurosurgeon, have wondered what I will do if presented with the same question you are asking.. Am hoping this one can be coIled.. Fingers crossed.. Tasha

I had one of these http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Pr.../ucm252130.htm

placed across my 8cm necked aneurysm the location made it very dangerous to coil or clip. the recovery was amazing. i felt like i could have gone home that afternoon but of course i didn't for observation purposes.

i had an MRI 6 months later and the aneurysm did not sure up on it

i think there is a lot of peace of mind in getting your aneurysm treated. If I had not had it treated I would have panicked every time i got a headache.

to do or not
 

i had a ruptured aneurysm 9-1-10 and all i can tell you is it has spanked me like nothing else ever has. if your doc says do it and insurance will cover it i say coiled and not ruptured has to be better than this. bleeding into the brain is not like a broken arm you arent over it in 6 weeks. good luck.