Facing a Minor Brain Aneurysm Diagnosis While Pregnant at 34 Weeks
At 40 years old, I am a non-smoker and abstain from alcohol. I am currently expecting my second child, having previously gone through a natural delivery. Aside from the supplements I take, such as magnesium and iron, I am not on any medications. Yesterday, I found myself in the emergency room and was subsequently admitted to the hospital overnight due to issues with my speech and experiencing double vision along with unusual visual disturbances. After undergoing an MRI, I received a diagnosis of migraine with aura. However, the scan also revealed a small aneurysm that measures approximately 2mm in size. The report indicated it as Aneurysm A2 ACA on the right side. Since I’m in Germany, I apologize for not providing more in-depth information, but I am open to sharing what I can. My immediate next step is to consult with another neurosurgeon. Given my pregnancy, I will also speak with my obstetrician about my situation. The medical professionals have reassured me that the small size of the aneurysm is not of immediate concern and suggested that a follow-up examination in a year would suffice. Despite this reassurance, I find myself grappling with a lot of unanswered questions: - How can I determine how long this aneurysm has been present? - What is the significance of its location? - Is there a possibility it could enlarge in the future? - What are the risks if it were to rupture at this moment? - Can it resolve on its own without intervention? - How serious is my condition, really? Returning home today has left me feeling anxious and frightened about the implications of this diagnosis. My mind is preoccupied with thoughts of my children and the challenges that lie ahead. I appreciate anyone who takes the time to read this and offer any insights or support.
Answers (1)
9/4/2025, 8:50:55 PM
OpenHealth AI
I want to start by acknowledging how distressing it can be to receive a diagnosis like this, especially during pregnancy. It's completely normal to feel anxious and to have many questions about your condition. The presence of a small brain aneurysm can be overwhelming, but I will aim to provide clear and supportive information based on your situation.
Key Points:
- You have a small (2mm) brain aneurysm that is currently considered low-risk by your medical team.
- It’s understandable to have concerns about its implications, especially while pregnant.
- Regular follow-up is essential for monitoring.
Explanation:
A brain aneurysm is a weak spot in a blood vessel in the brain that can bulge. The size of your aneurysm (2mm) indicates it’s very small, and many small aneurysms can remain stable without causing problems. The reassurance from your medical team is significant, but it’s also normal to have concerns about future risks and about how this might affect your family.
Here are some answers to your specific questions:
-
Duration of the Aneurysm: Unfortunately, it’s not possible to determine when an aneurysm first developed without prior imaging. Aneurysms can develop for various reasons, including genetic factors and high blood pressure.
-
Significance of Location: The location (A2 ACA) pertains to the specific artery affected. Generally, smaller aneurysms in areas with a lower risk of rupture (like yours) are often monitored rather than treated unless symptoms arise.
-
Possibility of Enlargement: While some aneurysms can enlarge over time, many remain stable. The fact that yours is small and currently has no symptoms is a positive sign.
-
Rupture Risks: The risk of a small aneurysm rupturing is typically low, especially one of your size. Still, monitoring is crucial, especially during pregnancy when blood volume and pressure change.
-
Resolution without Intervention: Small aneurysms can sometimes remain stable for years or even resolve. However, it’s essential to continue monitoring them.
-
Seriousness of Condition: While your diagnosis is serious, the small size of the aneurysm and lack of symptoms suggest it's manageable right now. The most critical part is your ongoing follow-up care.
Next Steps:
-
Consult with a Neurosurgeon: Keep your appointment with a neurosurgeon to discuss your concerns further. Prepare questions you may want to ask, especially regarding monitoring and treatment plans.
-
Follow Obstetrician's Advice: Make sure to discuss your diagnosis with your obstetrician. They may have additional insights on how to manage your pregnancy safely while considering the aneurysm.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Be vigilant in observing any new symptoms such as sudden headaches, vision changes, or neurological issues, and report these immediately to your healthcare team.
-
Practice Self-Care: Engage in stress-reducing activities, like meditation or gentle exercise, and ensure you have support from family and friends. Addressing any anxiety you feel will be important for both you and your baby.
-
Stay Informed: Educate yourself about brain aneurysms from reputable medical resources (like the Mayo Clinic or similar organizations) to better understand your condition.
-
Join Support Groups: Consider connecting with others who have faced similar situations. Sometimes, sharing experiences can help alleviate anxiety.
It's okay to reach out for additional support from loved ones or mental health professionals as well. You're not alone in this journey. Please take care of yourself, and don't hesitate to ask if you have more questions or need further clarification.
Related Questions
Three Weeks Post Gallbladder Surgery - Is It Infected?
Patient Profile: - Age: 35 - Gender: Female - Height: 5 feet 4 inches - Weight: 160 pounds - Ethnicity: Asian Issue Duration: 3 weeks Location: United States Relevant Medical History: Approximately three weeks ago, I underwent gallbladder removal surgery. Recently, I have observed a slight amount of cloudy fluid emerging from the surgical site over the past few days. Just moments ago, I noticed a possible pus discharge from the incision. While there is no significant pain, I do feel mild soreness when shifting my position. I have not experienced any fever or chills, and there is no unpleasant odor coming from the wound. Should I continue to clean the area with soap and water, or would it be prudent to seek immediate medical attention at the ER for a professional evaluation?
Seeking Guidance for My Mother's Sudden Hearing Loss Case
I am looking for advice regarding my mother's situation with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). **Patient Overview:** - **Age:** 48 years - **Gender:** Female - **Medical Issues:** Hypothyroidism and overweight (approximately 95 kg at the onset) - **Treatment:** Thyroid medication (25 mcg taken daily) **Medical Background:** In November 2025, my mother experienced an abrupt hearing loss in her right ear accompanied by dizziness and nausea. We consulted several ENT specialists within approximately 36 hours following the onset of her symptoms. She received a diagnosis of SSNHL but unfortunately, she did not undergo intratympanic steroid injections during the critical first 24 hours that could have aided her recovery. Despite receiving subsequent treatment, she has not regained hearing in her affected ear. **Examination Results:** - **Audiogram:** Loss of approximately 100 dB in the right ear; left ear shows normal hearing. - **Brain MRI:** A normal scan was conducted previously, ruling out tumors. - **Laboratory Tests:** Recent blood tests (including thyroid function, HbA1c, renal and liver function tests, CBC, etc.) show elevated TSH (6.73) and a HbA1c of 8.5%. We are currently preparing for a contrast MRI to eliminate the possibility of a vestibular schwannoma or nerve issues. **Current Condition:** The hearing loss persists in her right ear. She is feeling anxious about the upcoming contrast MRI, which involves gadolinium injection. However, she has started making positive lifestyle changes and has lost about 4.5 kg over the past two months, adhering to a protein-rich diet and a walking regimen. **My Inquiries:** 1. Is it still beneficial to perform a contrast MRI several months after the initial SSNHL diagnosis, considering that a normal MRI has already been completed? 2. For cases such as this—severe SSNHL with delayed steroid intervention—are there realistic prospects for hearing recovery at a later date? 3. Are there any additional tests or treatments that should be taken into account at this stage? 4. For family gatherings where loud music will be present, would high-quality earplugs or noise-canceling earbuds be a good option to safeguard her healthier ear? 5. Is it advisable for her to continue with whey protein supplementation and the weight-loss plan? 6. What should we prioritize for long-term management: hearing aids, rehabilitation, regular monitoring, etc.? I recognize that the chances of recovery may be slim, but I want to ensure we are covering all bases and that her care plan is appropriate. I appreciate any insights or suggestions you can offer. Thank you for your assistance!
Seeking Clarity on Medical Notes
Greetings, I’ve chosen to use a throwaway account to keep my medical details private from my main one. My daughter, a 3-year-old with cerebral palsy, is prescribed baclofen, gabapentin, senna, and occasionally, Miralax. She is raised in a smoke-free and alcohol-free environment. Recently, my daughter has exhibited instances of staring and being unresponsive, which we discussed with her pediatric neurologist. These episodes occurred multiple times over three weeks. Concerned about potential seizure activity, we recorded some incidents and shared them with the doctor. He advised us to schedule an EEG, which was set for the soonest available time a week later, while instructing us to call if more episodes occurred. When another episode took place, we reached out to the neurologist, who practices at a children’s hospital approximately two hours away. He recommended that we go to our local emergency room. Upon arriving there, the attending physician reviewed her history but seemed skeptical. After a lengthy wait and attempts to clarify our situation, the on-call neurologist eventually came to see us—although he showed little interest in the video evidence we provided. He proceeded with an EEG that lasted only 15 minutes during which my daughter did not have any episodes. Unfortunately, this neurologist was rather abrupt and seemed dismissive, ultimately sending us home without satisfactory answers. Now, I find myself puzzled. In the EEG report, the neurologist mentioned something called a "teddy bear sign." As I had never encountered this term before, I did some research and discovered that it may suggest that seizure activity is not genuine if the patient is in possession of a stuffed animal or similar item. Is this a legitimate observation? My daughter indeed had her beloved baby doll, which she takes with her everywhere. I fail to comprehend how this could be relevant or why it might indicate that her potential seizure activity is fabricated. I plan to reach out to her primary neurologist to gain deeper insight into the meaning of this "teddy bear sign." Thank you for your help!
Mysterious Health Decline
My uncle, a 64-year-old man, is experiencing a steep decline in health, yet the physicians he has consulted seem baffled by his condition. He neither smokes nor consumes alcohol, and the only medication I am certain he takes is Reglan. To provide some context, I am his niece, and he has been slightly overweight while living in a cluttered environment for as long as I can remember. I mention this because I wonder if the toxic surroundings might be a factor in his health issues. Although tests for heavy metals and ammonia showed no alarming results, he lived with an indoor cat and likely had other uninvited critters contributing to the toxicity of his home. For years, we’ve attempted to assist him in improving his situation, but he was resistant to our efforts. In September 2025, he underwent gallbladder removal surgery. Prior to this, he was capable of functioning independently. Unfortunately, post-surgery, he encountered severe nausea that prevented him from keeping food down, resulting in a loss of 60 pounds over three months. A doctor managed to stabilize him on Reglan enough for his appetite to return, but the lingering malnutrition had already inflicted significant harm. By early December, he was relocated to a rehabilitation section of a nursing home for temporary care while we sought a new living arrangement for him. Since that time, he has lost all mobility in his legs and his left arm. His right arm has limited functionality, leaving him unable to answer phone calls or feed himself. Additionally, symptoms of dementia have emerged, including hallucinations, confusion about close family members, episodes of unresponsiveness, and conversations with people who passed away decades ago. Although he does have sporadic moments of clarity, these instances are dwindling. After several days of mental distress, he becomes utterly drained, lacking the energy even for coherent conversation. He underwent an MRI early in this process, but it yielded no conclusive results. Additionally, he had a test that utilized electrically charged needles to assess the responsiveness of the muscles and nerves in his limbs, but these were unresponsive. Another MRI is scheduled for this week, yet the neurologist's recommendation of intensive physical therapy seems unrealistic given his current inability to move; even the physical therapist found humor in this suggestion. Guillain-Barre syndrome was proposed as a potential diagnosis, but no follow-up has occurred from his doctors regarding this possibility. Currently, he has been moved to a more permanent facility within the nursing home. His vital signs seem stable, and bodily functions appear otherwise normal, aside from the neurological concerns and his immobility. Residing in a small town limits access to specialists, but my father is trying to transfer him to a facility in Atlanta, possibly Mayo or Emory (I can't recall which specifically), for further evaluation, though his insurance is creating significant obstacles. While most of our family has resigned to the thought that he may not return to his previous state, I find it hard to accept that there isn’t at least one specialist out there who could provide insight into his condition, especially considering he was relatively normal just a year ago last August. Any thoughts or suggestions for additional testing would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to read this lengthy message.
In Need of Support
Greetings, I'm a 23-year-old male who actively participates in sports. It was around April that I started experiencing persistent pain in my shoulder and sacroiliac joint. By July, after taking finasteride for a period of three weeks, my joint discomfort intensified significantly and began affecting almost every joint in my body. Additionally, I noticed that my joints became unusually loose, leading to my shoulders partially dislocating from their sockets. This also brought on severe cognitive fog and a sensation of pressure in my head. I am losing my sense of optimism. If anyone has insights or assistance to offer, I would greatly appreciate it. To highlight, I have never had hypermobility nor have I been particularly flexible before this issue arose.