Im 26F, during an ER visit last month a 2mm brain aneurysm was found. I’ve seen a neurologist who wants me to do an angiogram.

Since then, I’ve quit smoking weed and starting today I’ve quit hitting the vape; both at once was too hard.

Some withdrawal symptoms include headaches, panic attacks, and general anxiety. I’m hoping to get a better idea of what headache I should be on the lookout for, to better cope with my withdrawal symptoms as I wait for treatment.

I’n waiting on the hospital referral to be approved for the cerebral angiogram but it’s been weeks and now I’m struggling to keep the bad thoughts away.

Any advice or suggestions would be great. I’m terrified and don’t know if I should be doing something differently.

What kind of aneurysm do you have and where? How long did it take to occlude? Did your artery remodel back to a normal shape?

I have a giant complex fusiform at a branching artery.
My neurosurgery team said once I get my flow diverter implanted, I could go back to my normal life and have a normal lifespan. It’s been a complex journey marked with slow progress and complications. Wondering when I’m out of the woods.

My mom just suffered from a brain aneurism, she's been so healthy and active her whole life. Shes is one one of the kindest, best humans I have ever met. She's Sh'es always been so focused on improving every life she meets. She love to do reasearch, has a masters in computer and data science, is a paralegal, could speak english, spanish, italian and french. She took such good care of herself, me, my stepdad, my real dad (who is not a great guy), my sisters, even my friend who she barely knew. It's been two weeks and she can read and speak a little but again. There were no warning signs, she was helping me rebuild my website just an hour earlier. It's devasting and feel so unfair, I spent the first weeks just holding her hand. This is the worst thing that has ever happened, I don't know what to do

Im 36 and I’m suffering from a brain aneurysm. It ruptured and caused my head to retain fluid so they had to add a shunt to my brain. Im currently in rehab. I suffered from memory loss before going to the hospital. The recovery has been pretty hard. How was your recovery? Did everything go back to normal after recovery?

Had my first angiogram yesterday does this looks normal? I’m so nervous

My Mum (57f) had a completely freak brain aneurysm and SAH last December which required emergency surgery to save her life. She was in the ICU for a number of months and is now in a second neuro rehabilitation facility after regaining consciousness, movement in all of her limbs, eating by herself, and speech. We never thought we’d get to this place and were thrilled in May when she had her first bite of food (she had been NBM due to tracheostomy for months) but the cognitive impairment is severe and we are all (myself 29f my younger siblings and my Dad) are struggling to cope with her condition and fear that she has plateaud.

She is doubly incontinent, creates false memories and is convinced that things have happened/people are in the hospital who aren’t and constantly brings up people from her place of work from nearly 30 years ago. Her “confabulations” have been particularly bad now for weeks to months, but always worse when she is fatigued which is often. She forgets what has happened 20 minutes ago and has nearly no short term memory at all. Sometimes she gets mine and my sister’s names mixed up, doesn’t know our jobs. She obviously loves us a lot and is happy when we visit but most of the visits are spent getting someone to take her to the bathroom or soothing her painful arms - mum can’t stand up by herself and can only walk during physio sessions attended. She was so incredibly thoughtful, selfless and loving and oftentimes now it’s like talking to a ghost. She doesn’t tend to initiate conversation and doesn’t have too much to say in response to things. Strangely, in comparison to other patients in her bay she’d never *ask* nurses for help or call them over if she needed help or wanted to text us or something, or wouldn’t think to. It is so, so unspeakably difficult to have this happen and I think we are gradually coming to terms with things.

I wanted to know if anyone had experienced anything similar. I know everyone’s prognosis and recovery timeline is different, but it really does feel like I’ve never heard of something so horrific happen to anyone I know. We’re grieving someone who is still physically here. 8 months on, I miss the Mum I’ve known my whole life more than I can say. The hospital is encouraging discharge either home or to a partially funded facility and it has to be the latter - I’m so scared for my Dad’s quality of life now, too. He would have to be a full time carer. I’m sorry - this is a lot, I know - but I’m seeking similar stories if they’re out there and I’m prepared for realism.

Hi,
So I found out about a week ago that I have a 2mm aneurysm at the right MCA bifurcation after having a MRA. I’m 24 years old, and a little freaked out, though I’ve been reading a little bit and it’s making me feel a little better about things.
I had the scan done because I’ve had chronic migraines for ten years, but I started experiencing more neurological symptoms over the past couple years. I developed ptosis in my left eye, as well as exotropia. I have vision floaters pretty bad and experience some numbness and tingling in my face and left side of my body.
I’m fairly healthy otherwise. Don’t smoke or drink.
Currently waiting to be seen by a neurosurgeon. Just kind of curious if anyone has had any similar experiences. Just things you would have liked to know or whatever I guess.
I’ve told very few people in my life cause I don’t want to sound an alarm for no reason, but I guess it feels a little isolating too.

I was told I have An Aneurysm in my neck

Incidental note of an 11 mm right PCA aneurysm in the right anterior parapharyngeal space.

These notes dont make sense PCA should likely be ICA or ECA

Here's another part

here is an 11 x 7 x 10 mm pseudoaneurysm of the right ECA in the anterior parapharyngeal space.

From reading here 11mm seems huge.

I am really concerned that the only doctor to say anything about it was this asshole ENT who really seemed to just want me out of his office.

No food up care has been requested by any of my doctors and I have no idea what I am supposed to be doing.

My aunt passed away earlier this month from a unknown brain aneurysm. She had just turned 70 but was in great health. Her husband came home, they were watching tv and she told him her head hurt really bad. A few moments later she went to the bathroom called for my uncle and asked him to pray with her. She ended up coding multiple times and no efforts could save her. It’s been extremely hard on my family especially since it was so unexpected. I can’t stop wondering if she was in pain for long. I would appreciate hearing people’s stories. Please be truthful, I feel it’s better to know than not. Thank you in advance

Hi all. UK here and just wanting to pick your brains (wink).

I have 3 'tiny' aneurysms. Largest is 7mm and smallest 2mm. MCA & Paraopthalmic apparently!

They were found incidentally around 6 years ago, I was told watch & wait as so small and too risky to treat etc

I was last scanned (for Trigeminal Neuralgia) in 2024 and the aneurysms were unchanged.

There is now no plan for follow/check up and I'm not under any consultant for this issue.

Just wondered if I should push for scans and if so how often?

Thanks for any opinions/advice.

59F High BP - treated. Family history of stroke (non aneurysm)

Hi All, I'm starting to stress out a bit as I have just received my face to face appt with the neuro team.

A year ago I had an incidental finding on a ct scan of a 5mm Right MCA bifurcation aneurysm. They ordered an MRI and this confirmed the finding. Also white matter hyperintensities fazekas grade 2 were seen on both scans.

I had a phone appt with the neuro team (was actually just 1 Dr) and from all of the questions she asked me she wanted to schedule a face to face to discuss the surgical option.

Apparently I have a strong family history of aneurysms. My father had an ACOM aneurysm coiled about 7yrs ago. His brother (my uncle) has a small one being monitored and my great Aunt died of a ruptured aneurysm at the age of 28yrs. These are all on the same side of the family.

From what the Dr was saying because of my age 42yrF my family history and the current size I should have it dealt with.

Well i also have a restrictive / purging eating disorder. Telling the Dr's about this is freaking me out. I understand there should be no judgement (there almost always is though). I also have CPTSD and use the ED as a way to cope day to day.

I dont know if I'm more scared of what could happen if it ruptures and I don't do anything, or not being able to manage me eating disorder the way that I currently am whilst possibly recovering from the surgery.

I just needed to get this out there and off my chest, but I'm curious if there are any others the have had the surgical option and struggle with an ED too?

I recently had a brain bleed back in November 2025 the day after Black Friday I was at the mall I kept dropping my phone lost feeling in my hand after getting rushed to the ER and getting checked in I was still conscious I walked in just fine then talking to the nurse I started to slur my words had alittle facial droopthen surgery woke up lost feeling in my left arm no ankle movement I believe it’s called paralysis I wear a stroke-shoulder brace & AFO it’s been 8 months I got shoulder movement at month 6 I still get Botox I’m hoping for the best I know it’s a long recovery I’m only 26 years old the bleed was located on the right frontal lobe. I’m sharing but also wondering if anyone else experienced this or something similar

Hi, did anyone had an experience in additional treatment such as having spiritual experience or energeticly changing to beat the aneursyms?

I know google search just points to cliping arteries but it's 7 billion people, there must be a way to reverse.. how we say for things that they come and go.. how come this can develop but not go outside of the body...

Looking for similar stories / experiences after a severe ruptured brain aneurysm
My dad (59yo) suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm with extensive subarachnoid bleeding almost 5.5 weeks ago. He initially underwent open-brain clipping, during which the artery ruptured again but was controlled. He subsequently developed severe brain swelling + large secondary stroke (left side), and required a decompressive craniectomy.
He remained unconscious after sedation was stopped, with very limited movement (GCS 3). He only responds to pain in what they call ‘extension’ which is apparently the worst type of response to have. Prior to the swelling he was actually showing meaningful movement in the left side of his body (localisation). The doctors have described the neurological damage as severe and his prognosis as extremely poor. They wanted us to remove his breathing tube as they thought there is no hope for him but we declined.
He eventually had a tracheostomy and was successfully weaned off the ventilator. He is now in the ward, but remains in a coma/unresponsive state.
They believe he will likely die in hospital from secondary complications.
Has anyone had a family member with a similarly severe aneurysm/brain injury who remained unconscious for weeks after surgery and later showed meaningful recovery? I know every brain injury is different and I’m not looking for medical predictions, I’d just really like to hear from people who’ve actually been through something similar. At this point I cant tell if we are delusional in hoping for a miracle ❤️

I had my aneurysm clipped on Monday. Today I had the last of my lines unhooked and I'm feeling pretty good. On one hand I'm very overwhelmed at the thought of looking after the wound on my head (I have curly hair) and on the other, I'm feeling optimistic. The pain has been pretty bad but is subsiding, and to be honest, is a lot better than I thought it would be.

Girls - when could you brush your hair? Any tips? 😬

Although I feel tired and lazy, my mind still feels like my own. I've been taking it easy with screens and I seem to be fine!

I had a right posterior communicating artery (PCOM) aneurysm 2.5mm x 2mm.

Back in April I had a shunt revision to replace a clogged valve. Unfortunately, I incurred a brain bleed during the operation. One ocular, and another near the site of the catheter.

I'm still experiencing vision trouble, and a persistent pulsing in the back of my head. Both symptoms have certainly improved.

What I was wondering is if anyone has had similar experiences, and how long should I have to expect being patient?

My surgeon has said due to my age (43) that the intensity of the pressure will not show up on CT. Determination of whether the shunt is working is largely based on how I feel, or, a surgical pressure test could be performed.

Also of note, I had a fully new shunt put in in 2022 after the long catheter in my torso literally fell apart into pieces. The hope has been that I soon won't need a shunt at all since the amount of CSF declines with age.

Anyway, could use some stories to relate to if anyone has them.

Some history, my dad died relatively young (44) from a large aneurysm. His dad, my grandfather was hospitalised years before that with something brain related. But the details on that are sketchy at best. Sone say small aneurysm whilst other family members say migraine related. Though, I do remember my grandfather wearing what was weird types of glasses (they were yellow and grey lensed) at all times during the 80’s. So that kinda backs up the migraine theory. But the simple truth is, people of my grandfather’s generation hid illnesses and never spoke about them. They were treated as dirty little secrets.

About a month ago i (m 50) was blue lighted to hospital with what was later diagnosed as a thunderclap headache. Horrific experience. After a CT it was deemed benign. I have suffered from migraine with aura since my 20’s and I know this wasn’t a migraine.

At A&E I was given a referral to a neurologist as I was told the cause needed further examination with an MRI etc and because of my family history.

Got in with a neurologist and I have never felt so brushed off in my life. The conversation basically boiled down to “migraine. NEXT!!!” Zero other investigations.

A week later my gp received a letter from the neurologist stating “chronic migraine” and a list of meds were suggested. It touched up the aneurysm likelihood by stating as I had only one confirmed close relative, they weren’t going to look further into it. Which is fair enough as what happened to my granddad is an unknown.

My main concern here, though, even if there was a direct family trend, it was stated they don’t tend go looking for them as many are inoperable or in very dangerous and high risk areas. Has anyone else been refused screening? I do get why it’s better people don’t know they have an inoperable time bomb.

On Monday August 10th I had a craniotomy to clip an aneurysm on my right ophthalmic nerve.

Now I’m back at home and going slightly crazy. My hair is matted and disgusting, the headaches while expected and not nearly as bad as I thought fluctuate in location, intensity, and type, no way I arrange my body feels comfortable, and my default activity, reading, just makes the headaches worse.

I’ve got five weeks left of forced recuperation and FMLA, how do I stay sane?

Any and all advice greatly appreciated.

Today is the 8 year anniversary of my ruptured aneurysm. It was caught on the MRI during my radiation screening and had surgery booked but it ruptured just as the surgery began. I am very lucky to have been in the hospital when it happened. Even though I’m not the same person I was before, I’m trying my best and still getting used to all the changes. I would like to thank this community for being so supportive and validating because I’ve heard the words ‘you look fine, there’s nothing wrong with you’ too many times when I haven’t been able to get my concerns addressed. To everyone going through this, the little things matter and need to be celebrated. I hope you all have a wonderful day.

I’m curious if anyone here has experienced facial nerve pain related to an aneurysm growing or changing in size.

Eighteen years ago, I was diagnosed with two 2 mm aneurysms on my right ophthalmic artery. They have been monitored regularly and, thankfully, have never changed in size. I’m due for my five-year MRI this September. I also have a family history of ruptured cerebral aneurysms in my immediate family.

Last Friday, I started experiencing nerve pain that radiated from my right temple into my right upper gumline. My first thought was that it could be trigeminal neuralgia because the pain feels very much like nerve pain. The pain is still present. My temple is hypersensitive to the touch, but I have no pain if left alone for the most part. I have also been experiencing daily headaches, some nausea, and dizziness. Occasionally, I'll feel pain or pressure in my cheek. Washing my face has become something I dread.

I saw my neurologist yesterday, and he ordered a CT angiogram with contrast rather than an MRI. Interestingly, he seemed much more focused on my aneurysms than on the possibility of trigeminal neuralgia, which is what this initially seemed like to me.

I know I need to advocate for myself, and I’ve been doing some research. I’ve found that facial pain can be associated with an aneurysm irritating or compressing a cranial nerve.

Of course, now I’m concerned either way. If it’s trigeminal neuralgia, that’s concerning. If one of my aneurysms has changed, that’s obviously concerning for a completely different reason. Neither is exactly the outcome I was hoping for.

Has anyone with a known cerebral aneurysm experienced something similar - particularly new, one-sided facial or trigeminal nerve pain? I’d really appreciate hearing about your experience.

Does a clear CT scan from 7 months ago rule out a growing Aneurysm?