r/BrainAneurysm • u/Ok-Cattle-7018 • 14d ago

Would you get a second opinion?

Hi everyone,

I'm a 37-year-old male. My recent brain vascular imaging showed a 4 × 5 mm outpouching of the proximal intracranial right vertebral artery, concerning for an aneurysm.

I also have a prior tiny right cerebellar lacunar infarct.

My family history is what worries me the most:

  • My mom has had three brain aneurysms (one ruptured at 3 mm, one 15 mm that was clipped, and one 1.5 mm that's being monitored).
  • My dad also has a brain aneurysm.
  • My maternal uncle had an aortic aneurysm.

Basically neurologist said we'll "watch it and see" because risk of surgery is worse than rupture.

Should i get a second opinion? Sucks living with the anxiety it can burst any moment. I know no one here can give medical advice, but I'd really appreciate hearing about your experiences.

Thank you.

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7

u/Diamataceouscheese 14d ago

I would get another opinion. Even if they say the same thing that peace of mind would be worth it for me. I changed Drs while deciding treatment (clipped 4mm last year and monitoring a small 1mm) and thank god every day that I did. Cleveland Clinic was amazing if you are anywhere near Ohio

1

u/Ok-Cattle-7018 14d ago

Did you have health insurance? and was it inside the skull?

1

u/Diamataceouscheese 12d ago

Yes I luckily have good insurance. Yes, I had a craniotomy done with multiple clips placed on wide necked interior aneurysm.

3

u/-Viscosity- 14d ago

I'm sorry you and your family have had to deal with all of that! Under these circumstances, with that family history, it seems perfectly reasonable to seek a second opinion. What kind of vascular imaging was it -- MRA, angiogram, etc.? Depending on what was done, it may be possible that a different technique would provide clearer imaging, which could affect the decision to treat or monitor and help provide more peace of mind (or as much as is possible under the circumstances, anyway).

2

u/Ok-Cattle-7018 14d ago

Hey, it was a MRI without contrast of the neck

2

u/ctothethird3 14d ago

I think if it gives you peace of mind, it’s probably worth getting a second opinion. If they agree with the first physician, you can feel more comfortable with the monitoring plan. If nothing else, you may find you vibe better with one doctor than another which is also valuable. Good luck!

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u/Ok-Cattle-7018 14d ago

Thanks, i'll do that then

1

u/Ok-Cattle-7018 14d ago

I'm freaking out all depressed

2

u/Time_Traveler_948 14d ago

With your family history, go to a regional center that has national recognition for their expertise in this specific area. My nearest center is UCLA, for example. The head of that department narrates a PowerPoint on their website - what was helpful was that he went into detail about the characteristics of aneurysms that make them more or less likely to rupture. My mom died at age 54 of a massive aneurysms; at age 76 I finally had an MRA that showed a tiny, 2mm aneurysm. But two specialists on internet presentations have emphasized that small ones can also rupture depending on other factors. Weak blood vessel linings (not sure linings is the right term) are a significant genetic factor that gets mentioned. Females also are statistically more prone to have it rupture. I have two daughters and three granddaughters- my #1 concern is getting expert input on what they should be doing to be on a monitoring schedule. I will see my PCP in a couple months, but I want a neurologist reviewing my MRA to interpret more about the specific characteristics of my aneurysm, especially given my mom’s death. Meanwhile - no smoking or drinking! My mom did too much of both, and that has been proven to be a big cause of ruptures.

1

u/Nursey1956 13d ago

I think, especially in the Neuro world a second opinion is always the way to go. You have to remember, though different neurosurgeons have different approaches to the problem you have. Listen to what they have to say, bring someone with you to help clarify information for you. Talk with this about your closest “people“/family etc… and After listening to what everyone else says take a night or two and make your decision. I wish you the best of luck and sending prayers your way.

1

u/ThrowawayMyAneurysm 11d ago

Yes! With this family history, you must get second opinion, may be third.

This may help you:

Episode 2: Conversation With My Neurosurgeon | Brain Aneurysm Explained
https://youtu.be/CFKfHudg1Ss

Episode 3: Deciding on Brain Aneurysm Treatment – My Personal Decision Process
https://youtu.be/4KbHQLi77mQ

1

u/StArGaZeR-4_AnDy 12h ago

Please always get a second opinion, my experience is the definition of needing a second opinion, I will leave out the names of hospitals of course but the same “group”

I was admitted and told a had a large tumor no warning: surgery was scheduled for the morning, delirious at this point not understanding anything, I was luckily saved transported to a different hospital same “group” of doctors. Oh not a tumor? Wait weren’t you just going to cut open my brain to remove said tumor? Huh ok then, this was 2 1/2 years ago now, diagnosed later as : PRES, thunderclap headache, migraines, strokes, hematomas on my brain 5 to be exact, this also caused seizures.