I had cranial surgery a little over 2 years ago. I was diagnosed after severe headache and double vision hitting one weekend. I had decided to have clipping done and was told this was not possible due to location. I went to UVA for my surgery and while on the operating table the aneurysm ruptured and has left me with frontal lobe damage. I now experience balance issues, headaches, have been diagnosed with seizure disorder and no longer able to work or drive. I miss these things terribly but try to go on each day. I stay exhausted all the time though & feel like I never have the energy to do little things I once was able to do. Has anyone else experienced this? I was always very energetic and it is hard to see things that need to be done & I no longer feel like I can do.
Hi! My dad is a UVA grad! I didn't have to have a craniotomy but did have the pipeline embolization device inserted on two aneurysms, one that ruptured this past January. I know our stories are different on many levels but I DO know what you mean about the fatigue. I have frontal lobe damage as seen on CT but functionally it is not evident. Maybe frontal lobe damage has something to do with motivation and energy (?) Certainly something to research. I'm sorry you are experiencing these things and hope you find answers!
Hi and Again Welcome...I just answered on your profile page about problems after the surgery...
But tired wasn't one I had added or answered...seems to be an effect we all seem to have during and after this journey...it is a matter of learning how to do things when you have the energy and rest when you don't...the biggest thing I find is when my energy starts to slump...if I try walking a bit outside, it gives me my energy back ... I have more energy in the morning to do many things and then as the day goes I find myself sitting and resting...~ it has only been 2 years from your rupture...all of this can still improve a bit...~ Thoughts out to you ~ Colleen
Hi Sandy! UVA is a great school & I am very thankful for my neurosurgeon! I am just starting to read about the pipeline embolization. I have researched some about frontal lobe damage but have not found a whole lot unless it was due to an injury. I will continue to research! I hope you continue to heal & get stronger! Thanks for your response!
Thanks Colleen for your reply. I have definitely had to learn & do things as I can. I would give anything for a walk outside but I go no where without someone with me outdoors due to my balance. It stays off everyday but now that the weather is warming I will be able to go & sit on the porch. Some days I find early morning I have more energy or real late evening. I know the seizure meds do not help with any of this. Thankful to be here! You continue to heal & get stronger!!
I'm sorry to read about your bad outcome. I'm curious to know how the Doctors resolved the bleed if they did not do clipping. Residual blood from a bleed may partially explain the seizures and ongoing headaches as brain matter will not absorb the residual as I understand it. It is part of what is called the blood/brain barrier (which also makes it difficult to find drugs that will bass the barrier).
Hi Ed. I made a mistake writing above, I did have 4 ceramic clips during the surgery on one annie. I meant to say I was not a candidate for coiling. I do have 3 other annies, we keep a close watch on those. Thanks for your response!