Should I get a Second Opinion?
Hi everyone, about 4 years ago I was diagnosed with 2 cerebral aneurysms. The larger of the two was originally 4mm in the right cavernous carotid artery. The smaller was only 1mm and found in the right vertebral artery. After an angiogram my original neurosurgeon recommended watch and wait with yearly scans.
Due to having moving to a new state and having a baby, I am just now getting around to getting my MRI. The results showed that the 4mm had grown to 5mm but the smaller one couldn’t even be picked up. I would likely need another angiogram to get a good look at it. My new doctor doesn’t think the cavernous aneurysm has grown enough to warrant treatment. And he doesn’t want to do an angiogram at this time. He advised me to get another MRI in 2 years and we’ll see from there.
I am not 100% on board with this. For the last month I have been having awful, acute headaches behind my right eye extending into my temple. I’ve headaches on and off my whole life, but never like this. I’m worried that the aneurysm is becoming symptomatic and the doctor is dismissing my symptoms due to the general consensus that small aneurysms don’t often show symptoms.
I would also feel more comfortable getting an angiogram to get the full picture. I know that MRI’s can be off measuring aneurysms. I’ve read of people who think their aneurysm is one size but the angiogram reveals it to be much bigger.
I know the doctor is more knowledgeable than me and I want to trust his judgement. But I’m thinking maybe I should get a second opinion to be sure? Any advise and perspective would be greatly appreciated!
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