Monday, November 5, 2007

Brain Aneurysm

What is a Brain Aneurysm?
"A brain aneurysm, also called a cerebral or intracranial aneurysm, is an abnormal bulging outward of one of the arteries in the brain. It is estimated that up to one in 15 people in the United States will develop a brain aneurysm during their lifetime.
Brain aneurysms are often discovered when they rupture, causing bleeding into the brain or the space closely surrounding the brain called the subarachnoid space, causing a subarachnoid hemorrhage. Subarachnoid hemorrhage from a ruptured brain aneurysm can lead to a hemorrhagic stroke, brain damage and death."

My Aunt is in the ICU, she had an aneurysm rupture yesterday. They did a procedure called Endovascular Coiling, where they basically fill the aneurysm space with platinum coils (wire)so it stops the blood flow. They also put in a drain to get the extra fluid off her brain. She is in a coma now, both natural and medically induced. They want to keep her in a coma until the fluid stops and they are sure the bleeding has stopped. They plan to keep her in the induced coma until next week and then see if she will wake up.

3 comments:

Emily Marie said...

Wow, Those are often very sudden, hope you are all well and we will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers!

Olivia Heilmann said...

Oh dear. We, too, will be praying for you all. I hope everything turns out for the best. Hang in there.

nAnnie Laurie said...

prayers from us too, dear. Hope all turns out for the best. We love you!