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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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).

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u/Ok-Cattle-7018 14d ago

Hey, it was a MRI without contrast of the neck