I have recently been diagnosed with 3mm distal right ICA aneurysm in the cavernous segment, rt carotid artery. Neurosurgeon looked at report and said it was not a surgical case and would see me in two weeks. So I am in wait and see mode and probably looking at just living with this. So anyone else out there in this situation and what kinds of limits do you have? Any information that helps me get through these next two weeks before I can actually get more info from the doctor.
I had a cavernous carotid aneurysm. Mine was much larger, but it did make me look up all the medical literature. My understanding was that risk of SAH from cavernous aneurysms is very small as they are usually below the subarachnoid space, if they rupture they rupture into the venous blood filled cavernous sinus rather than outside the vascular space so although that may cause some eye redness and swelling doesn't have much risk of death or stroke, small (below 7 cm) aneurysms have low rate of rupture anyway. The position of these aneurysms are such that a surgeon cannot easily get to them without damaging some important bit of brain, so they are treated if needed by radiologists accessing the inside of the vessel from the groin or by tying off the artery below the skull if there is rupture. So, I'm not surprised your surgeon is a bit laid back about the diagnosis and in no hurry to see you. So I'd suggest stay calm, nothing is likely to go wrong in the next few weeks, and wait for the appt.
Judith
Thanks for the information, Judith. It is very helpful. I am so glad I found this site and can talk with people that have similar situations.
Hi Diane...I have a 9mm brain aneurysm that was coiled over 2 years ago...and then another that is about 2 mm behind the left eye. Doctors have been watching and it hasn't grown ... part of this journey is "acceptance" of the brain aneurysm...which I have come to the point that I will not let either of them ruin my life...
Controlling your Bp, no smoking, and no heavy drinking, limit stress, etc., all good things to keep in mind ...
Keep us posted ~ Colleen
Hi Diane:
I'm in the same boat as you. I have 2 or 3 (docs can't agree) small annies all on right and left MCA discovered halfway into a 30-day migraine with a drooping eye 1/2011. They're not a concern and I only have to get tested every 3 years now, likely will extend to 5 years if no change in 2 more years. The only restrictions they told me about were keep bp in check and don't lift anything heavy. I rarely even think about them now, very small risk of rupture. Best wishes and don't hesitate to get a 2nd opinion.