Sub-arachnoid aneurysm

In 2001, I suffered a sub-arachnoid aneurysm.  I had surjery the day after to repair the damage and have been fortunate to have not suffered any physical damage as a result.  However,  I have put on about 5 stone in weight in the 6 years since it happened.  I have been through alot of the psychological experiences that a shock illness like this would produce.  However I want to find out whether my weight gain is linked to the illness I suffered.  I tend to now have more of an addiction to sweet and starchy carb foods, could it be that my illness has affected the levels of seratonin in my brain and I am consequently self medicating??  

Some advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Claire

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hello.

After a sub-arachnoid hemorrhage, some pituitary gland dysfunction is expected in about 45 % of patients. This may lead to weight gain in some cases. Your thinking may be correct. The reason behind your weight gain could be the illness.

I will be a good idea to speak to your neurologist about carrying out tests to check certain hormones secreted by the pituitary gland.

Regard