NeuroTalk Support Groups - incidental finding of unruptured 5.5 mm aneurysm on internal carotid artery

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- - incidental finding of unruptured 5.5 mm aneurysm on internal carotid artery (https://www.neurotalk.org/new-member-introductions/228963-incidental-finding-unruptured-5-5-mm-aneurysm-internal-carotid-artery.html)

incidental finding of unruptured 5.5 mm aneurysm on internal carotid artery

Hello Everyone!

I haven't had a chance to browse this site much just yet, but I feel some reassurance that a support forum such as this exists :) Thank you all who have created and contributed this website. I may be leaning on you all for a bit! As I learn more about what I will be going through, I may be able to offer others some support as well!

I'm still reeling from this incidental discovery five days ago of an unruptured aneurysm... I feel somewhat lucky that I've been given the opportunity to do something about it. But still... even in pursuing (or not pursuing) treatment, my life and my family's lives will change or be significantly disrupted... Trying to stay positive tho!!

My appointment with the neurosurgeon is in 4 days (seems like a ridiculously long wait under the circumstances), and it's like I'm walking on egg shells trying not to do anything that may pop the durn thing. Being anxious and stressing out about it I'm sure doesn't help either. Hahaha :wink:

If there's anyone out there living with an unruptured aneurysm, please feel free to share how you're coping with it and what changes in your life/lifestyle have you made to improve your quality of life.

Thank you!
vf2003 :)

General health conditions and Rare Disorders

Quote:

Originally Posted by villefranche2003 (Post 1184657)

You might go to the above mentioned forum as there is not one even for heart related problems. It is such a short time until your appt I can only urge you to eat high fiber and drink lots of water. I hesitate to even say that little as we are not medical proffesionals here. I say this only because I lost someone to undetected Aortic aneurism as he was straining with constipation. Good Luck, Ken in Texas.

Hello and welcome to the NeuroTalk Support Groups.

As well as checking the
General Health Conditions & Rare Disorders Forum
that Ken suggested, you could post on the
Aneurysm Forum

It's a really good thing that it was found when it was. Let us know how your appointment goes. Wishing you all the very best. I can only imagine how stressful it must feel for you waiting for your appointment now.

Too fast on the scanning

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lara (Post 1184949)

I don't know how I missed the Aneurism forum but I did, I'll slow down a little, Ken in Texas.

Don't slow down Ken. You're doing a great job! :D

Hi there, Sorry you are having to go through this. I too have just been diagnosed with an unruptured aneurysm which was a double whammy shock for me. I have 2 small meningiomas (diagnosed 18 months ago and on watch and wait) so theres a lot going on in my head! I recently went for my annual MRI and while my tumours are stable no growth which is great news I was called back in for a further scan just after I had got home.

They discovered a small aneurysm at the base of my brain - its called a PICA aneurysm. Like you mine is between 5-6mm. I have seen my neuro surgeon and what he has told me is that I am on the cusp of treating or not treating osition) (because of its posterior position) but that it is a weigh up of the risks of it rupturing - around .05% to a risk of a problem during the procedure which is around 1%. Because of where mine is treatment would be a coil which they access through the groin (endovascular I think it is called) in other areas I believe they can clip them but mine is in a really difficult place to access.

The problem I could have is when they put the coil in it could block the artery and cause stroke the risk is 1%. Because I don't and have never smoked, no significant family history of aneurysms he has suggested we monitor it. If there is any growth then he would want to treat it. Apparently it was there a year ago. When the radiologist looked back on my previous scan he found it and it doesn't appear to have changed from then and appears stable so that is encouraging.

I know exactly how you feel though worrying about what I can and can't do and if there is anything I can do to prevent it rupturing. My NS said that 3% of the population have aneurysms and many don't know it - it is really now with MRI's that a lot of these are being found incidentally. Be strong - your surgeon will advise you and if you don't feel comfortable with him get a 2nd or 3rd opinion. Happy to chat through this forum as we go through the journey. Take care and try not to stress - that is what I am doing.

Hello Marianz,

Welcome to the NeuroTalk Support Groups. :Wave-Hello: