Internal carotid artery aneurysm

I only saw the neurosurgeons briefly before and after the angiogram at hospital. I wish I would had an in office visit in less stressful environment. When I do 6 month recheck, I am going create a list of prepared questions and ask for a office visit. What might be routine for surgeon, is not routine for me.

I also was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm - "originating from the left internal carotid artery just distal to the left ophthalmic origin. The aneurysm projects superiorly and slightly medially. The overall length of the aneurysm is approximately 5 mm, and the maximum transverse dimension is also on the order of 5 mm largely because of the curvilinear shape. The neck is on the order of 2.5 mm...also a "vascular infundibulum" and "Dolichoectasia is noted involving the anterior and posterior circulations."
The dr. was running 2hrs behind, which was unusual for Mayo, (he had an emergency surgery). The appt was very brief, we didn't even review the CT pics, but another CT scan scheduled in 3mths. (I have 4-5 other aneurysms and tortuous artery areas, Connective Tissue Disease which causes the middle wall of arteries to relax, loose the collagen, elasticity and hopefully not burst.. Mom died of aortic aneurysm at 66, I'm 62, which I also have that is being monitored, all of this discovered in the last 4 months.) I was NOT told to take an aspirin a day; the only instruction was to not lift over 20lbs and no more running. (Have read not to fly, not sure if it is safe, or yoga or hiking for that matter...) I have always had headaches but now a monthly injection, Emgality, has helped the migraines. Nice to meet this group, sorry it had to be under these circumstances! I understand how the "constant thought of aneurysm" is fearful. I'd like to have the questions prepared also for my next appt. Thank you so much for your comments. Enjoy your weekend!!!

@roch Hello, my mom was diagnosed with an internal carotid aneurysm last week. After finding your topic from 2018 decided to ask you how’s your aneurysm? Have you done a surgery?

Thank you

@aigul29
It is a very scary diagnosis. I remember being told about it in the ER when found incidentally during a scan done for another reason. I was shocked I was sent home, but I was at no risk. After 7 years, my aneurysm is still there, and I am doing fine. I did just have a recheck with the neurosurgeon this year (2026), and no intervention is planned. In my situation, it is calcified and with VERY minimum chance of rupture. It does continue to slowly grow.

Everyone's situation is different, and the risks and benefits of surgery have to be considered.

After being first diagnosed, the providers scanned and monitored every year, then less often. No planned recheck needed now. But every so often, I have a head scan for another reason, and the size of anyurm is noted.

I did have a side effect from the aneurysm in the last few years. My hearing on the right side was being affected because an aneurysm was pushing on the eustachian tube, preventing drainage and causing fluid backup. ENT and neurosurgery agreed it was better to treat the symptom then cuase. I had ear tubes placed and took care of the problem.

What are the providers telling your mother? Was it found incidentally, or were they trying to diagnose a problem?

I was hit on the left side of my head by a pipe swung by a thug who attacked me and the MRA received from hospital that next day showed a ICA aneurysm of 2mm in the left internal carotid artery. That was 12/29/2010. I was told by the doctor at that hospital in Charlotte NC that it was inoperable due to the shape. I have lived in fear these past years and last week 3/10/2019 a MRA shows the ICAA is now 3mm.
I have been expericing some sharp pains in my head over and behind my left ear. I live in 2 hours south of Jacksonville Fl. I have a consultation scheduled for this week at the Mayo in Jacksonville and am hoping and praying that there are new techniques now that will offer hope.