OpenHealth Q&A

Seeking Insights from Neurologists: Thoughts on Pediatric Brain Aneurysms

Hello everyone, I find myself in a bit of a predicament, and I hope my inquiry doesn’t come off as entirely absurd. This situation has left me feeling quite vulnerable; perhaps I should have opted for the NoStupidQuestions subreddit instead! To share a bit about myself, I'm a 33-year-old woman actively seeking treatment at the prestigious Mayo Clinic. My journey with various elusive health issues began in my teenage years and has progressively intensified over time. Until the arrival of my son two years ago, these challenges were somewhat manageable, but now, they have become overwhelming. My husband, who works as a family medicine doctor, acknowledges that I require specialized care. I have been officially diagnosed with idiopathic hypersomnia and struggle with significant circadian rhythm disorders, intermittent anxiety and depression, as well as daily occurrences of reactive hypoglycemia (despite not being diabetic). There are other concerns, though I’ll spare you the details for now. While I may come across as a hypochondriac for sharing this, I had previously convinced myself that I was okay. However, I’m genuinely grappling with some serious issues. Here’s my pressing question: Is it even remotely possible that I could have experienced a minor brain aneurysm rupture at the age of 16 without being aware of it? Could I have potentially survived without ever seeking medical help? The statistics surely suggest this is unlikely, but please bear with me as I outline my thoughts. What follows is a mixture of recollections from my own memory, insights from my mother, and reflections drawn from my diary entries from that time. To frame my experience, I had limited knowledge about health matters at the age of sixteen. During a visit to Six Flags with my family, I enjoyed rides until that fateful day. We embarked on a particularly jarring wooden roller coaster (the second ride of the day), and I distinctly remember experiencing what felt like a “thunderclap headache” as the ride commenced. My mother stated that I screamed during the initial drop, but it was not out of joy; it felt as if my life was in danger. That moment was marked by sheer agony—perhaps the worst I’ve ever endured, second to childbirth. My father also mentioned that he had a slight headache afterwards, but I felt utterly unable to express the severity of my pain. It felt as if my brain was in turmoil. Regretfully, being shy and raised in a less affluent household, I didn't seek any help. Although the intensity of the headache subsided after the ride ended, I still left the park shortly thereafter due to lingering discomfort. In my diary entry that evening, I expressed a fear that I might not be okay—I wrote about praying fervently for reassurance. In addition to that incident, I experienced two dizzy spells the day before our trip and another one that morning. A week later, I noted in my diary that while I felt somewhat better, the headache had persisted for four days and intensified with any physical activity. Additionally, upon returning home, I mysteriously injured my shoulder and arm, followed by a sharp pain in my wrist that radiated up my forearm, preventing me from participating in the tennis team that year due to prolonged healing. And here's another aspect that I cannot dismiss, although the timeline might not match up perfectly. During elementary school, I frequently experienced acute, sharp headaches that briefly incapacitated me. These episodes tended to last merely seconds to a couple of minutes, but the frequency was alarming for several years. Could "warning" or “sentinel” headaches indicate a slow-growing brain aneurysm? I suspect the answer is probably no, but it leaves me wondering what those headaches were all about. My mom recalled that I would often complain of discomfort behind one eye during those instances, which adds another layer to this puzzle. (For clarification, my parents ensured that I received regular medical checkups.) The primary reason I am raising this question is twofold: out of sheer curiosity and to consider whether it’s relevant for my Mayo Clinic questionnaire. This happened so long ago, and I fear that mentioning it might cause them to question the legitimacy of my current health issues or label me as delusional, especially since I doubt a brain scan would reveal anything significant. I sincerely appreciate any advice or thoughts on this! 🙏 Summary: Could it be conceivable to have a ruptured brain aneurysm at 16 years old and remain unaware, potentially leading to untreated health issues for the past 17 years?

Answers (1)

3/17/2025, 4:36:35 AM

OpenHealth AI

Diagnosis:

It's understandable to feel concerned about past health events, especially ones that seem dramatic like a potential brain aneurysm rupture. To address your query, while it's possible to experience a minor brain aneurysm rupture without being aware of it, the likelihood is very low. Brain aneurysms typically present with severe headaches, neurological deficits, or other acute symptoms. Your descriptions of experiences at 16 years old are significant, but they don't definitively indicate a past rupture.

Evidence:

Brain aneurysms can sometimes go unnoticed until a symptomatic event occurs. The “thunderclap headache” you described is often associated with subarachnoid hemorrhages, typically resulting from a ruptured aneurysm. However, resultant symptoms like dizziness, intermittent headaches, or discomfort behind the eye could stem from various other causes, such as migraine or tension-type headaches, rather than a slow-growing aneurysm.

In a study published in the Journal of Neurosurgery, most patients with ruptured aneurysms report sudden, severe headache, often described as the "worst headache" of their life. Many patients ask whether they could have had an unrecognized rupture; consulting neurologists tends to confirm that this scenario is uncommon.

Action Plan:

1. Documentation: Continue to document your health experiences, including headaches, dizziness, and any other symptoms. This information can be important during your consultations at the Mayo Clinic.

2. Consultation: Bring up these past health episodes during your upcoming appointment. It's vital for specialists to have a complete picture of your health history. Your experiences are valid and may provide insights into your current symptoms, even if they seem unrelated.

3. Follow-up: If your symptoms persist or worsen, follow up with a neurologist or your primary care physician for further evaluation. This may include imaging studies such as an MRI or CT scan to rule out any underlying issues.

Cost-Effective Treatment:

1. Health Insurance: If you are already receiving treatment at a facility like Mayo Clinic, check with your insurance provider for coverage options to help manage costs related to diagnostic imaging or consultations.

2. Local Clinics: Inquire about community health clinics or sliding-scale facilities that offer neurological consultations at a reduced fee, especially if these concerns persist and you need further evaluation.

3. Telemedicine: Consider online consultations with neurologists, which can sometimes be more affordable and provide additional access to specialists without the need for travel.

4. Home Management: For headache management at home, ensure adequate hydration, maintain a regular sleep schedule, and consider stress management techniques like yoga or meditation. Over-the-counter pain relievers might help, but it's important to discuss with your doctor to avoid any contraindications.

Conclusion:

While the possibility of a past undetected brain aneurysm cannot be entirely ruled out, your current concerns and past incidents should be discussed with your healthcare providers. This allows for an informed assessment and appropriate care. If your symptoms provoke anxiety or seem to worsen, please seek medical attention promptly.

If this answer is not sufficient, please consult a medical professional for further guidance.