Feeling Anxious After Potential Brain Aneurysm Diagnosis: Seeking Insight
Hello everyone, I received some unsettling information earlier today and I'm reaching out in the hope of gaining some insight or understanding. At 30 years old, I stand 5’6” tall, weigh 135 lbs, and generally maintain my health quite well. A few years back, I was diagnosed with hypertension, for which I take 10 mg of Lisinopril every day. Beyond that, I have no other known medical issues. I have never smoked, and I only drink socially, on rare occasions. My recent health assessment was part of routine medical clearance for an additional activity I've been exploring, leading me to undergo several cardiovascular exams facilitated by a cardiologist. While all results showed normalcy except for a minor mitral valve prolapse, the doctor expressed concern over what she described as a venous hum detected during her examination of my neck. Consequently, she ordered a neck Doppler ultrasound, which I completed today. Fortunately, the results were normal, alleviating any fears of Moyamoya syndrome. Despite this positive outcome, she mentioned the hum was still present and notably pronounced, prompting her to recommend an MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiography) of both my brain and neck to rule out the possibility of a brain aneurysm. Caught off guard by the news, I struggled to formulate my thoughts and inquiries at that moment and now I regret not asking more. I did, however, inquire about the likelihood of having a brain aneurysm, to which she indicated that her ordering of the MRA stemmed from real concerns. She implied that this condition could clarify the source of the humming if it’s not from my neck. Focusing on my workout routine, a perhaps misguided priority, I asked if I could maintain my regular exercise, and she affirmed that I could. I refrained from mentioning how intense my workouts are and my palpable anxiety about potentially exacerbating a brain aneurysm while lifting heavy weights or extending my runs. My main perplexity revolves around the information I found online regarding venous hums, which suggests they are usually harmless. I’ve not seen any correlation presented between this sound and brain aneurysms. Personally, I don’t feel symptomatic of having one, but I'm no expert. I’m hoping to connect with others who might have insights into whether it's common for an MRA to be requested in cases of a venous hum. Today has been emotionally taxing, and I’m frightened about the future. I’m seeking reassurance that perhaps my doctor is being overly cautious or, conversely, advice that getting an MRA soon is indeed critical (the nearest appointment isn't until mid-April, which feels interminable. I’d be willing to travel for an earlier slot if this scenario poses a genuine threat).
Answers (1)
3/26/2025, 8:10:49 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's completely understandable to feel anxious after receiving unsettling news regarding your health, especially when it involves something as serious as a potential brain aneurysm. Here’s a breakdown of your situation:
Key Points:
- Venous hums are usually harmless: Many times, a venous hum may not indicate serious underlying issues and can simply be related to normal blood flow.
- Further testing is a precaution: The recommendation for an MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiography) is likely to rule out any significant conditions, including a brain aneurysm, given your symptoms and examination findings.
- Consider your overall context: Keeping active and managing your health, especially for someone with hypertension, is important, but it’s good to approach intense exercises with caution until you have more information.
Explanation:
A venous hum is the sound of blood flowing through the veins, often noted during a physical examination, and is usually benign. The fact that your neck Doppler ultrasound was normal is reassuring—it's a positive sign that blood flow in your veins appears normal. Your doctor’s recommendation for an MRA, however, is to ensure thoroughness and rule out any less common but serious conditions.
Your anxiety is understandable, and it may add to your stress about future health events. It’s important to focus on what you can control, like maintaining a healthy lifestyle and seeking clarity around your health status.
Next Steps:
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Stay Informed: Write down any questions you have about the MRA and the findings from your cardiovascular evaluations. You can discuss these with your doctor to gain better clarity.
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Exercise Caution: While your doctor has advised that you can continue your regular workouts, if you are feeling particularly anxious, consider temporarily reducing the intensity of your workouts or incorporating more low-impact exercises, like walking or cycling, until you have the MRA results.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any symptoms you experience, including headaches, vision changes, or neurological symptoms. If you notice any changes, consider contacting your healthcare provider.
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Manage Anxiety: Techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or talking to someone about your concerns (a friend or a mental health professional) can help you manage your anxiety while awaiting the MRA.
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Seek an Earlier Appointment: If your anxiety remains high, reach out to your healthcare provider’s office; sometimes, they may have cancellations, or you could discuss the option of traveling for an earlier date.
It sounds like you are taking all appropriate steps regarding your health, and it’s absolutely okay to seek further reassurance. Remember, being proactive about your health is important, and you deserve support during this time.
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