A little nervous about the latest developments

[SickMomma_PDX]

A few weeks ago, I started having weird facial sensations out of no where. The left side of my face was prickly and then started feeling like I'd been numbed by a dentist.

I told my internist about it, and she ordered another brain MRI, this time on a 3T machine. I kind of hoped that maybe the stronger machine would show more than the 1.5T MRIs I've had in the past. She also ordered an MRA at the same time.

The radiologist didn't see anything new on my MRI, same punctate foci they saw last year on the weaker machine. But he said the MRA showed "2 mm inferiorly projecting aneurysm from the inferior right terminal segment of the internal carotid artery. No other significant stenoses or vascular malformations."

I really didn't like hearing the word aneurysm, but my internist said it was small enough that they'd probably just check it again in six months. But "just in case" she sent the info over to a neurosurgeon I've seen previously for back and neck issues. (I haven't had any surgery, but he recommended it.) She chose him initially because she considered him ultra conservative, the rare surgeon who doesn't cut unless he really believes it's necessary and the risks are small.

I spoke to his assistant a week ago, and she said he wanted to look at the images and talk to a few people and then she'd get back to me. Today, she called to say he wants me to have a cerebral angiogram. I hadn't even heard of that before! They go in through the femoral artery in the groin all the way up to the brain. And they scheduled it for this Friday, which makes it feel like they consider it urgent or something.

It's all really freaky to me. And unfortunately, really has nothing to do with the bizarre symptoms I've been having for three years now, so it's not even like this will give me a real diagnosis. :-(

So, has anyone else had one of these? I haven't found anything on it from a patient's point of view, and I'd like to.

Thanks!!

[SickMomma_PDX]

Thanks, Maria! I appreciate hearing about your friend's experience!!

[MrsAristotle]

Hi these procedures are done so often you neednt worry. I have a friend who had one and she said the actual thought of the procedure was more scary then what actually happened a bit like having a lumbur puncture we all think it is going to be horrendous but mine well I didnt even feel it.

She was given a sedative and said for the time she was there she hardly noticed what was going on lol just felt warm and woozy.

I think the person looking after you is just making doubly sure that there is no need to worry which is a good thing.

I send you my best hugs and thoughts and I know you will be fine if a little bricking it lol. xxx

[SickMomma_PDX]

Thank you Theresa!

I know I don't contribute here very often, but I do read and love how supportive this forum is (and the MS one too -- even though it doesn't look like I have MS, everyone there is always so kind to me).

If anyone else has any thoughts, I'd appreciate it!

[StormyRenee]

Hi Sickmomma,
I am so sorry that your going through yet another unsettling development...
You have every right to be nervous about this.
I do feel that you should have the cerebral angiogram done. Aneurysms are nothing to take lightly...
No one comes to mind on here who may have had one...
Just try to stay calm and remain positive as possible....
Remember that we are all here for you whenever you need us.....
Please Take care, Theresa