I noticed that many people state the sizes of the aneurysms, so I called to find out what mine were. The ruptured one was 5x4. The unruptured one was 6x4 with no neck. Do the sizes indicate anything, or is this just informational?
Often the larger the brain aneurysm the more likelihood of rupture and/or the Surgeons want to do a coil, clip, PED or some method to stop the aneurysm from rupture.
They wanted to clip both of them. Due to their location and an odd artery that coiled around the side of my brain, they weren't able. They didn't think the coiling would work, as the larger aneurysm has no neck, but so far, so good!
Studies on this seem to vary. Generally, many publications right now say that anything smaller than 5mm can often be "safely" monitored. I'm living with a 2x1 mm aneurysm. It's not fun at any size. Is your doctor going to watch the unruptured one? Best wishes to you!
Based on the MRA, the first neurosurgeon I saw estimated mine at 3-4 mm. They first suggested "wait and see" or "possible coiling." Then I got an angiogram and that showed over 5mm with a very wide neck. For me that changed the possible course of treatment. Some doctors don't even want to touch it under a certain size.
Terri
So, how do surgeons arrive at the decision to "monitor" aneurysms versus treat? With all due respect, it's very scary to be a "monitored" patient and read what's being said here. Many publications state that most aneurysms don't rupture at all and the smaller ones are less worrisome. Where are they getting that information from? Would that many different medical websites (including neurosurgery centers) lie? I'm just trying to make myself feel a little better about my situation. Thanks!
They actually coiled the unruptured one as well. It was adjacent to the ruptured one.
I understand how you feel. Although they coiled both of mine, I still wonder sometimes....especially when they told me that the lack of a neck on one made them think the coils just wouldn't work at all. I also wonder, what if the coils do come out? Where do they go??? Can't that be a problem?
For your sake, I would hope that they would not treat your aneurysms if they weren't confident in it being a permanent solution. I know what you mean though. I used to be a medical skeptic and avoided doctors. It seems so weird for someone to interfere with our bodies like that.