My mom was diagnosed with one in 2011. It was 2.9 x 3.0mm. Now, her recent MRA screening is showing that its 2.9 x 3.2mm. I am really concerned because her neurosurgeon has said that there has not been any change.
Has anyone had a similar experience to this? If so, how much did the aneurysm change in size?
Mine doubled in size in one year. I had more surgery (more coils and more stents).
Going from 3 to 3.2 mm means monitor for another year, i.e., another screening next year. At least, that's what my experience advises.
I was diagnosed with one last September. They tell me mine hasn’t changed either.
To my knowledge, my unruptured aneurysm has not changed in size or character since a bleed 19 years ago. If it has, I would rather not know! My last headache was 19 years ago as I flew over the Atlantic on a business trip to Budapest. Life goes on, and we all face the certainty of our mortality. The best way to cope is trying to make this a better world through help to others. Seek such opportunities on a daily basis.
They are probably just going to keep monitoring it. Usually they won't clip or do anything until it reaches about 5 to 7 mm or over. Of course every case is different. I had one clipped and have another 2mm one they are watching with mri's every 3 years because of where it is, it doesn't grow that quickly. But if you trust your surgeon, then ask him questions.
From the time I first had symptoms, in 1981, my aneurysm became a giant, of almost 5 centimetres in size. Of course I don’t know how long it had been there - apparently an aneurysm can be present from childhood.
David Andrus
I have 2 aneurysms, one has been coiled 3 times and the other one is being watched. The uncoiled aneurysm hasn't changed in size in 4 years. I am now on a 2-year MRI monitoring schedule. The surgeon doesn't want to do surgery unless it is at least 5-7 mm.
You could get a second opinion, or a more aggressive surgeon may do clipping or coiling, but I have decided on a wait and see approach. I trust my interventional radiologist and will follow his advice.
No one can tell you what to do; faith and trust in the doctor helps a lot.
I just had my first annual CTA scan on wednesday. October 2013 I was diagnosed with a 2.5mm brain aneurysm and my results from my CTA scan on wednesday is now 3.1mm. I am seeing my neurosurgeon Nov 10.
Mine has remained the same 4mm size since 2009. I have annual MRI and majority of the time do not thnk about it. The first year being diagnosis was worrisome. I finally decided to blank out ailments in my mind which I could not control. Keeping stress levels at bay, listening to music,laughter and positive thoughts is my way of handling life.
In 2013 I had an aneurysm that was 6 mm. I decided to have the clipping done because I my neurologist said the with the coiling I would have to come back more often and with the clipping it’s more less visits but more complicated. I decided on the clipping. Everything has been fine except for some numbness and I go back once a year for angiogram
I was diagnosed with an aneurysm May 2012. Every CTA I had measured it 3.0mm. At my 2 year scan I had an MRA showing its 3.2. Neurosurgeon believes it to be the difference in tequnique from CT to MRA. I go back Nov 6 for another MRA to conform. I wouldn’t be concerned. Mine once showed smaller after my 1 year scan. Apparently the beat of your heart pulsing at the moment they take the image can also affect the size:) …praying always;) hugs.
In February of 2011, I learned that I had aneurysms when the p comm ruptured. I have been monitored yearly for my MCA aneurysm, which has up to this point, remained stable. I will be finding out results of this years MRA this week. I anticipate no changes once again. I must admit that I do wish they would clip or coil and I could forget about it. But until then I stay positive and enjoy life.
Hi...
My unrupture aneurysm changes in size....but my Doctor is doing the wait and see....I also have a brain tumor that he is watching too....it makes me nerves as my blood pressure is not uncontrol and that they are trying to get under control....I also have an autoimmune so they really don't want to go in until they have to. I trust my surgeon....he is gruff but top in his field but I know first hand it is a worry...if you are concerned absolutely get a second opinion....it is not their life it is your Mom's...and a second opinion never hurts...good Luck!!!
Yes I was back in hospital last week. The unruptured leaked they had to coil an stint. Home now very sore. Have your mom see her neurological doc. B4 some think happens . Better safe then sorry . God be with you
I'm still waiting for my first recheck. I pray that the result will be no change or a shrinkage, or even better yet we misread the films.:)
I don't have the first measurement, but when I went for the follow up angiogram, the aneurysm was 2.3mm x 3.2mm, and the medical record says "My impression is this is slightly larger than on the prior study". I spoke with both my Neurologist and Neurosurgeon about that, and neither was concerned. They explained that the measurements may vary a very small amount because the way the images are lined up may not be exact between the two tests.
As far as structural change, do you know the exact placement of the aneurysm?
The size of it is not as scary as it seems,
The change in size could be attributed to diet and stress which is key in the healing process, whether it being precoiled, ruptured with thrombosis being the brain scab. Clipping is called the gold standard in Aneurysm repair, in your mother’s case depending on the size and placement it would be most likely be suggested to coil.
A high percentage of humans already have mini aneurysms somewhere in there vessels. We are very fragile if you really think about it. The size once again is not that big, it just depends on the location and the structure.
I waited 2 years after a basliar rupture, which is basically playing hot potato with a grenade every heartbeat.
The 3d coils had not yet been approved and the 2d coils would have slipped out most likely during the procedure.
Being a first candidate in the 3d coiling combined with having one of the great Coilers, Dr. Andrew Gyorke was a bonus in my case.
I would recommend using Natural Calm
By Peter Gillgam, its very good for stress.
Dottera oils for aromatherapy helps a great deal.
A low fat diet including fish, fruit, vegetables and a low sodium non dairy
Regiment.
These are just opinions, I just celebrated my 14 year coiling repair on the 15 of October 2014.
There are ocassional migraines from residual blood still in my brain, so they say.
The last one would have put down a bull, the good news is they are few and far between now and no pain killers are used.
Tell your mom we will light a candle for here, there is nothing wrong with prayer, it doesn’t have to have religious affiliation,
IT’s nothing MorE then a spiritual thing.
Stay Strong and she’s lucky to have such a caring daughter.
God Bless.
Pretty Thoughts 
I was diagnosed in 2012,it was 3mm .i recently had another MRA,& CT,results was no significant change .hope this helps you.
Hi James,
Thank you for your kind words and congrats on your 14 year anniversary :)
-Nimra
Hi,
I also think that the measurements can vary. My mom used to have her annual screening through a CT scan with contrast. Now, we found out she is allergic to the contrast so the doctor ordered an MRA without contrast. I am hoping the difference in the two machines is the reason we are getting different measurements.
Are your doctors still planning on the watch and wait method?
-Nimra