Anerisym in main brain stem

    
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Posted by CCF NEUROSURGERY MD on October 07, 1997 at 12:25:58:

In Reply to: Anerisym in main brain stem posted by Lori on October 01, 1997 at 00:19:23:

: I have had numerous family members at CCF (heart transplat, back surgery)  My sister has ask me to check in at CCF,  her 22 year old nephew had a brain anerisym in the main brain stem.  He was on life support for the first week and continued to show improvement.  He can not walk, talk, or use his whole one side.  He improved to the point he could eat mash potatoes for a few days.  The hospital he is at believes he has had another anerisym, which they say most of the time will happen.  My sister and I have tried to encourage the family to take him to CCF, the technology is so far advanced on other things.  The doctor who is treating him says then since it is the main brain stem, there is no surgery or nothing they can do for him, he is in God's hands.  The doctor there says if it had been the left or right side then there is something that may be able to be done, but when it is the main stem, there is nothing and he will mostly like have more anerisyms?   Is Cleveland Clinic ahead of the others on this and is there a possiblity that anything that can be done, surgery, ect.  While waiting for test on my husband,  I was near the physical ther. and they seem do a wonderful job, much better than what I have seen here.  In the 2 month,  I have spent a lot of time at CCF and the Omni Hotel and I think you have a wonderful staff and hospital, CCF has restored the quality of life to my father in law (heart transplant) and husband (back surgery) I hope that something can be done for this young man.
  Thank you for your time.
  Lori
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Dear Lori,
An aneurysm is an outpouching of an arterial wall that occurs in a weakened
area of the artery.  Think of it as a blister on an artery.  They can cause
problems in a few ways: bleeding, mass effect on other tissues, and occasionally
small blood clots can go distally and cause strokes.  The definitive treatment
for an aneurysm is to surgically clip the neck so there is no further risk of
bleeding or blood clots.  In recent years certain aneurysms have been treated
by placing coils into the aneurysm to clot it off.
From what you describe, it sounds like your nephew has an aneurysm of the
basilar artery, and it has bled.  This is a serious condition, as the aneurysm
is still at risk to bleed, and your nephew is young.  The second aneurysm
complicates things a bit.  Also, this type of aneurysm is more difficult to
treat surgically.  The decisions as to what can be done are based on the
location, size and particular anatomy of the aneurysm.
The Cleveland Clinic has experience in such matters, and a second opinion
may be wise.  You may call 216-444-5672 to schedule an appointment with a
vascular neurosurgeon.  Previous hospital notes, CT, MRI and angiograms will
be vital in assessing the situation.  You may arrange with your other hospital
to have copies made for your visit to the Cleveland Clinic.  We hope to see
you soon.
Good luck.