Unruptured Brain Aneurysm

Posted by badnaples @badnaples, Nov 22, 2021

Hello! I recently found out I have a 4mm ACOM during a CT scan, waiting CT angio appointment, question is....live life normally? OK, to travel (fly), exercise etc. Can't get answers from doc, they say all this will be covered during pre-op which is weeks away and in the meantime causing me anxiety not knowing what I should or should not do. Not sure if I have symptoms, various headaches, mild, dull, various areas of the head, but have those often and for long time, and stuffy nose so assume its sinus. Any help is appreciated, suppose to travel in 48 hours. I read all this about rupturing and frightens me. Is it something that would happen suddenly or gradually from a leak. Help! THank you.

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smilton | @smilton | Nov 23, 2021

Live life normal but don’t really over extend yourself with hard exercise/ but exercise and stay fit/ don’t hang upside down- or ride anything that twist or turns fast/ex . Six flags rides- don’t get over angry or stressed out- and smile a lot😊- life is short- be happy!!

badnaples | @badnaples | Nov 23, 2021

Thanks for the reply 😀

Amanda Roe | @amandajro | Nov 24, 2021

Hello @badnaples and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I can totally understand being anxious with regard to the time in between your next appointment. @smilton came in and shared some good thoughts. I am sorry your doctors weren't more helpful.

I am thinking you've probably read more that you want to at this point, but just in case it is helpful, here is a link to some information about what to be especially mindful of if your symptoms reach a certain level.

- Brain Aneurysm - Symptoms & Causes:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/brain-aneurysm/symptoms-causes/syc-20361483
Are you traveling with someone or solo?

badnaples | @badnaples | Nov 27, 2021

I m traveling with friends and my husband. Thanks for the info. And yes I may have read too much.

badnaples | @badnaples | Nov 29, 2021

Are there guidelines anywhere for exercise? Intensity? Heart rate? I’ve always been active, I’ve slowed down, and avoiding roller coasters, water skiing, things like that but wondering if I’ve slowed down too much. Can I still run, weights, yoga, bike?

smilton | @smilton | Nov 30, 2021

In reply to @badnaples "Are there guidelines anywhere for exercise? Intensity? Heart rate? I’ve always been active, I’ve slowed down,..." + (show)

I would walk fast,yoga,light weights,stationary bike or treadmill great- just don’t stain or increase heart rate real high- and be happy- stress is as bad as anything else-just say f_ c k it! and keep on going!! 😁

badnaples | @badnaples | Nov 30, 2021

Thanks! Going to be tough for an avid runner/marathoner to transition to walking 😩

raisanicole | @raisanicole | Jul 17, 2023

Just diagnosed. 6 mm unruptured. Catheter angyogram tomorrow. Terrified to the overall process and what to expect

Amanda Roe | @amandajro | Jul 18, 2023

In reply to @raisanicole "Just diagnosed. 6 mm unruptured. Catheter angyogram tomorrow. Terrified to the overall process and what to..." + (show)

Hello @raisanicole. I am sure this diagnosis concerns you, so I am glad you have reached out for support. By the sound of it, you have your catheter angiogram today. I hope the information below might help you if you haven't had the procedure yet.

- Brain aneurysm: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/brain-aneurysm/diagnosis-treatment/diagnosis/dxc-20361596

I want to invite in members @smilton and @badnaples can rejoin the discussion to share some of their journey with you. When is your appointment?

jessica79 | @jessica79 | Jul 20, 2023

I have an unruptured 6mm berry brain aneurysm. It was diagnosed more than 9 years ago. The neurosurgeon now does a follow up MRI every 2 years to keep tabs on it. I’ve had the CT angiogram . The main thing is to try to live a normal life and not to live in fear. I keep tabs on my blood pressure and stress levels but otherwise try not to stress over it. Make sure you know symptoms of what to watch for…such as sudden severe headache, etc. I hope everything turns out well for you!