Hi. New to the site and am desperate for contact with others in the same situation. Been having pulsating post exertion headaches for over 12 months, during physio appt for shoulder pain was advised to see GP about headaches. Saw GP, referred for MRI and neurologist. Had MRI 14th Nov didn't hear anything but last Monday I was booking a GP appt on my surgery website when I saw 'MRI head, abnormal, patient informed' so looked at the test results page and nearly dropped on the floor to read the neuroradiologist report saying 'no abnormality found in brain structure unfortunately I think there is an aneurysm on the internal right carotid artery relative to the terminal. RED ALERT further imaging suggested' Well I nearly passed out reading it and contacted my GP the day after who eventually got back to me, not much use really. I already had my neuro appt so went to that last Thursday. Had a full deficit check over and she said I needed an MRA to clarify things. She said this would be within the next 2 weeks. I asked her if there was anything I shouldn't do and could I still drive. She said to avoid heavy exertion but ok to drive. So I am now thinking it must be serious to get a scan within 2 weeks/ the word 'Unfortunately' in the radiology report has made me feel 100 times worse. History is dad had ruptured aortic aneurysm at 72 years (emergency surgery and recovered), sister had subarachnoid haemorrhage at 55 (fully recovered and Addenbrookes could not find a cause and said it was an SAH of unknown cause, idiopathic, perimesencephalic bleed and no need for screening of family members as hers wasn't to do with an aneurysm) Trying to see it as a 'Godsend' that I know about it and the people I've told have said how well I am taking it. I can't even cry but am sitting thinking I have to get my will sorted etc. I need help on the location of my 'Annie' and also am worried all those post exertion headaches (only last about 20 seconds but v painful and pulsate round my jaw and down my back), could they have been a leak? Sorry this is my first post ever, 52 years old, and have probably gone on far too long.
In shock after aneurysm spotted on MRI - Brain Aneurysm Su...
In shock after aneurysm spotted on MRI
Hope you get results soon, I’m sure you will see neurologist very soon. Try and write down all the questions you need answered. Awful shock for you easier said than done but try to stay calm especially with blood pressure it should be good. Good luck let us know how you get on. And we are all here sadly in the same boat xxx
Hi, thanks for your reply. I am so hoping to get the MRA this week, ASAP to have confirmation what I am dealing with. I found out about this last Monday and this feels like it's been the longest week of my life. Am checking my BP several times a day. Have got a cold at the moment and worry so much when I sneeze in case anything happens. I am trying to get comfort in the fact that the neurologist said I could carry on driving which I don't think they would say if they thought anything was going to happen imminently. How long have you 'known'? Good to know I'm one of many. xxx
Sneezing, going to the toilet everything we do in general all becomes a worry at first just moving. But I promise you if they were concerned they would have you in hospital now. You may need a operation you may not and all I can say is listen to your consultant he will guide you on what is the best move forward. It all depends if it is in a low risk area the size the shape and they will know. My doc said I was low risk and go live my life so that’s what I’m doing but sometimes I worry and sometimes I forget it is there. Told I got more chance of being hit by a bus and will most probably die from something else, it all may seem like doom but it’s not. Try not to worry. I’m 18months on now since I found out and was exactly the same as you. Please try and relax and write down as much as you can think to ask the doctor. Hope you have a good day. Here if you need a chat xxx
Ps are you in england
That's great advice thanks. As you say I am in limbo until I get the MRA and at least then will know more. I am in East Anglia and am lucky enough to be in the region of Addenbrookes hospital who I believe have a great reputation in Neuro related conditions. Have you had an MRA? If there was anything dangerous would they see it straight away and keep you in? Thanks again, it is such a help to hear from people who really know what it feels like. xxx
Hello, yes I’ve had a MRA and I’ve had several mri too. The last MRA I had was may of this yr and I was told it had not grown any bigger, my Annie is about 6mm or just under when they did MRA the measurements came out smaller than mri it could of being the angle he said but the main thing was that it had not grown I think when they get to about 7 that’s when they will operate but he honestly thinks mine will not grow. And if I want to I can have yearly mead to check but he did say that keep having scans is not good. It is all very scary and I can really understand how you feel it’s awful and it’s all the unknown and basically we have to have complete faith in our surgeons. If they were to operate on mine and I was given a choice he said I had a higher chance of stroke so I decided to leave it. I don’t know if you are searching on the net but my advice is don’t. It gave me severe panic attacks reading stuff that I was not really knowing anything about and it just scared me to death. I wish they would disappear for everyone it’s a evil thing to have but with more proper knowledge from your neurologist you will feel calmer I promise. Blood pressure diet and no smoking or drinking is all good and just a very healthy lifestyle . Thinking of you and hope you get all your answers very soon X
Hi, I have my MRA scan next Friday, although it was a battle with the radiology dept as they said the consultants always put urgent so I would be waiting until around Christmas. I told them what it was for and the anxiety it was causing, so they got me a slot next week. Feel like my life is on pause until I get some more info. Trying to act normal as I feel guilty for having made people worry about me? I hope you are ok and best wishes to everyone else in this situation. xxx
The advice from 'Mikey' is good. It's normal to feel scared. We all feel that way when first told. But the more informed you become the easier it should get. I'e found this site incredibly helpful. I'm sure you will too.
Hi, If your imaging gave any immediate concern you would have been contacted and admitted to hospital asap, this happened to me didn't even have time to goggle thank goodness, I was having loss of vision and sent to stroke clinic.
It is scary but try and stay calm, easier said than done, I know xx
Thanks, I am always a bit worried that someone hasn't looked at it properly and it's worse than they think. Have got my MRA scan this Friday so just muddling through till then. Fear of the unknown is the biggest problem right now. Thanks for your support and other members in the same situation. xxx
You could ask them to get your results by phone rather than wait till the next appointment but do make sure that even if they say on the phone...we recommend no treatment at present and rescan in a year... you get an appointment as you'll probably have lots of questions.
Hi,
I can fully understand the shock it must have been for you. I think the main thing here as with any aneurysm is SIZE!! The NHS don't tend to treat any less than 5.00. Many people are born with aneurysms that never change & stay exactly the same until death. Many people have one & don't have a clue it's there. I know it's much easier said than done but until your aware of the size then you could be worrying yourself to death for nothing. I got diagnosed 15 years ago with a very small one that stayed the same for 14 years. 11 months ago it was found mine had grown with no symptoms at all. I just passed out last December early one morning so a brain scan was carried out to reveal my aneurysm had grown & after Xmas this year everything started moving at quite a rapid rate. I had mine clipped in July by a fantastic Portugese Consultant & my procedure has been really successful. If you could find out the size then it may turn out to be the biggest comfort of all. I just think it must be so tough on you mentally & with Xmas just round the corner as well I truly hope you get some answers really soon to either bring you peace of mind OR some treatment to sort out the problem.
Lynda
Hi Linda, would you be able to pass on the details of your consultant?! Many thanks
Louise x
The good news is that you had an MRI and you are being proactive. I can understand how your mind must be preoccupied.
I had no idea I had an aneurism until it was too late. I had an emergency brain bleed and surgery. I had 2 aneurisms that were coiled in surgery. This was done through my groin. No scars. I had successful surgery and was back to work in 15 days. I feel great! This was 15 months ago. I hope my story provides you with positive vibes. Stay positive and strong.
I’ve just read your story after posting my story ,as I’m in shock the way I found out also.
I can really understand how you feel ,even though I had my mra scan super fast ,I’m left waiting and waiting to speak to someone if at all about the results of this scan .
So I hope when you have you have your mra scan you get swifter results which don’t leave you worrying.
I could not believe that you mentioned these pulsating pains in the head .i also have had these strange sharpe pains in my head - so swift and sharp ,I’ve had mine for years ,they come and go every few months .and always worried if they meant something sinister,but thought my Gp would dismiss me as a crank as they only last 3 or 4 days . I will mention them to my consultant if I ever see one.
Please keep us all posted in your journey and lots of luck to you
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