[Fallindown]

I have an aneurysm in my carotid artery behind my left eye socket. The neurosurgeon told me this past Friday that there's nothing she will do because it's in my skull bone. First I didn't know the carotid artery goes through the skull bone and second my memory is failing as a result of the artery being blocked.

The surgeon was very casual about the whole thing and told me to come back if I have SERIOUS symptoms. This is blocking more than 50% of the blood flow to the left side of my brain and I can tell it's effecting my ability to think. That's serious to me.

It was only by accident that an MRI found this.

F.D.

[sideblinded]

Hi Fallindown

Wow....this sounds a bit scary. Docs can sometimes be so calm because they deal with this stuff every day. I am wondering if you can get a second opinion just to put your mind at ease. I wouldn't take this very lightly and I would be calling this doc and telling him or her that I think I am having more symptoms. Don't be afraid to keep on them. This is your life. I wish you the very best as you get this sorted out.

[Fallindown]

This neurosurgeon, which is a woman BTW, is at Johns Hopkins and my sister claims it must be the final word. Yet I have my doubts. Sometimes I think I'm completely losing my mind. Thanks sideblinded.

[AncientMelody]

Originally Posted by Fallindown

This neurosurgeon, which is a woman BTW, is at Johns Hopkins and my sister claims it must be the final word. Yet I have my doubts. Sometimes I think I'm completely losing my mind. Thanks sideblinded.

What has that to do with anything?

I'm sorry to hear that you're having some concerning health symptoms. I think a second opinion is worthwhile. Is there atherosclerosis AND an aneurysm going on, because an aneurysm is not a blockage, but a thinning and ballooning of the arterial wall. I can see why this perhaps would be a high risk region for surgical treatment. Sometimes surgery can be riskier than the medical condition. Carotid atherosclerosis (blockage) is usually not treated surgically until there is more than a 70% blockage because that's where the benefits clearly outweigh the risks of the procedure,

That said, having an aneurysm as well is surely a concern. The best treatment if surgery is not an option is agressive management of blood pressure, regular exercise, and a very healthy diet. I definitely recommend you follow-up with your primary care doctor who will probably do a better job of "putting the pieces" together for a big picture understanding of things. And if you feel you want to see another surgeon also, don't let your sister dissuade you.

Best of luck!

[SnakeCharmer]

Wow, sorry you're going through this. A second opinion sounds like a wise choice. Just because she's at Johns Hopkins it doesn't mean a second opinion isn't in order. Smile at your sister and ignore her on this one. Your primary may be able to refer you to another neurologist/neurosurgeon for another look-see.

Even if they decide not to treat it directly, there are indirect things that can be done for aneurysms, like keeping your blood pressure under control, and for blockages, like diet and medication. Your primary may be able to organize all that.

I wish you the best.

Originally Posted by Fallindown

I have an aneurysm in my carotid artery behind my left eye socket. The neurosurgeon told me this past Friday that there's nothing she will do because it's in my skull bone.

That indicates to me that she probably does not think the risk is too high if she won't interfere with the skull which as far as I know is not a risky surgery.

[Fallindown]

Her logic is to leave it alone unless complications arise. I imagine accessing an artery that is embedded in bone is more difficult than one that is not.

[ECHOES]

[QUOTE=AncientMelody;4207004]
What has that to do with anything?

A poster above mentioned calling "him or her".

Fallingdown, I agree with two suggestions.

One is to see this doctor again and ask her to help you understand her treatment plan. Also, to have her clarify what she means by 'serious' symptoms. Take someone with you to write down what the doctor says. It's hard to remember what doctors say when we are stunned or nervous, and when they cover many points.

The other is, by all means seek a 2nd opinion, even a 3rd. Her John Hopkin's affiliation says a lot about her qualifications but a second opinion doesn't hurt, and a confident doctor welcomes a colleague weighing in.

This is about you, and your health. You do shat you need and want to do in order to feel comfortable and confident about your care.