I was Dx'd with a small (3mm,) no-neck, cerebral, asymptomatic aneursym about 4 years ago, and have had MRA's annually and now every two years since, with no change. (The diagnosis followed a work up for vertigo that soon dissapated, never to return.) I've been advised that I am not a candidate for coiling or clipping, since the risks of these procedures are equal to or greater than rupture, considering it's size, shape, and location. My question relates to where a person should be, relative to an appropriate medical facility, when and if one's "annie" bursts. I'm assuming that with age (I am a very healthy 60) one's risk of rupture increases. Currently I live in a remote part of NC, 45 minutes from a major hospital/medical school, i.e., ECU. Is it correct to assume that time is of the essence when a rupture occurs, and is a 45 minute drive acceptable? As retirement approaches we are considering returning to the Triangle, for several other reasons. Here we would be 5 minutes from UNC-Hospitals and Duke. Would this be a better scenario for the best outcome should this aneurysm rupture?
Thanks!
Once an aneurysm actually "blows", you're out of luck, no matter where you are. I do believe that, generally, an aneurysm starts tearing first and creates a lot of pain. Given the likelihood that you'd get advance warning of the "blow", 45 minutes does sound too far. Personally, I'd be looking for a hospital that is used to that sort of emergency. Being close to Duke sounds like a great option.
I was Dx'd with a small (3mm,) no-neck, cerebral, asymptomatic aneursym about 4 years ago, and have had MRA's annually and now every two years since, with no change. (The diagnosis followed a work up for vertigo that soon dissapated, never to return.) I've been advised that I am not a candidate for coiling or clipping, since the risks of these procedures are equal to or greater than rupture, considering it's size, shape, and location. My question relates to where a person should be, relative to an appropriate medical facility, when and if one's "annie" bursts. I'm assuming that with age (I am a very healthy 60) one's risk of rupture increases. Currently I live in a remote part of NC, 45 minutes from a major hospital/medical school, i.e., ECU. Is it correct to assume that time is of the essence when a rupture occurs, and is a 45 minute drive acceptable? As retirement approaches we are considering returning to the Triangle, for several other reasons. Here we would be 5 minutes from UNC-Hospitals and Duke. Would this be a better scenario for the best outcome should this aneurysm rupture?
Thanks!
Please consider getting closer to a hospital- The faster you get treatment (TPA) the better results. Good luck to you!
