Daily Column

October 22, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I was recently in the hospital because of lightheadedness. I am a 73-year-old woman with a history of brain aneurysm. In 1966 I was diagnosed with an aneurysm in the right side of the Circle of Willis (I guess you know what that means). Because of this, the hospital doctors ordered a CT scan of my head. No one told me anything but I got copies of my test reports and have determined I have encephalomalacia in the area of the right temporal lobe.

Because I can never talk to my doctor (only his assistants) I was hoping you could tell me what this means.

DEAR READER:
The Circle of Willis is an area at the base of the brain where several arteries join together. While all brain aneurysms are potentially dangerous, one situated in the Circle of Willis is especially so because the interior carotid arteries branch off from this area and supply about 80% of the brain’s blood. [Read more...]

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Sunday Column

July 6, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
Please provide your professional opinion on the following extreme concern I have.

My 45-year-old son is prescribed Oxycontin monthly. He suffered a brain aneurysm eight years ago that left him partially disabled. He has no use of his left arm and has a bad gait on the left leg. He also had surgery for Crohn’s disease when he was 14 years old. He’s used numerous drugs since the age of 12, most of which I don’t even know the names or types. As of this date, he only uses the Oxycontin, but he doesn’t use it according to physician direction.

I know this addiction has to be extremely dangerous. Please print your response as soon as possible so I can prove to him that he is killing himself.

DEAR READER:
Oxycontin is a habit-forming narcotic similar to morphine that can be prescribed in liquid or pill form for the treatment of severe pain. [Read more...]

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Daily Column

June 17, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
What can you tell me about aortic aneurysms? Can they be visually detected? I am worried about my male partner. He is 71 and keeps physically fit by walking, biking and swimming everyday. He takes Zocor because of a cholesterol level of 225.

His stomach protrudes slightly but also has a smaller “bump” beyond that. It’s noticeable through t-shirts or when he lies flat and is located exactly where the internet information says an aortic aneurysm would be. I cannot find anything that says if one can be visually detected, though. This spot looks like a grapefruit is hidden in his stomach.

He is “medically dense” and doesn’t even know that it’s there. Looking straight at it in a mirror, it can’t be seen. I don’t want to raise a red flag if there is nothing to worry about.

DEAR READER:
To the best of my knowledge, an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is not visible [Read more...]

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Sunday Column

June 1, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I am a 77-year-old male in good health. In 1963 at the age of 33, I had a brain aneurysm. The pain was absolutely indescribable. Its position was located with an angiogram but because of its location, it was deemed inoperable. The doctors did not have much hope for me. Thankfully, I have had no further symptoms from it.

About three months ago, I was outside at night watching the stars, lost my balance and fell. I hit my head on the concrete driveway but did not have a headache, blurred vision or dizziness — just a large bump. The next day, I went to my doctor who ordered an MRI and an MRA. He found the original aneurysm AND another one on the right side of my head.

I was then sent to the University of Texas to see a specialist who deals with brain aneurysms. I had another angiogram to confirm the results of the MRI and MRA. The specialist recommended a surgical clip be placed on the right sided aneurysm due to its location. He also said the original one could be “repaired” with a non-invasive procedure to place a stent.

I have been advised of the low risk involved in both of these procedures and of the recovery times for each. My concern is related to the surgery that would “open up” my head. It carries the very real risk of brain trauma and other side effects.

I have lived 44 years with the first aneurysm with no problems at all. I have no idea how long I have had the other one but it is not showing any symptoms either. I do have some tension headaches but feel these are due to my uncertainty about surgery.

I know the above is not a full analysis but hope you can give me your opinion based on what I have told you and your experience. I would greatly appreciate knowing what you would do were you in my shoes.

DEAR READER:
If your original aneurysm has not enlarged in 44 years, you can safely adopt a wait-and-see approach. In this manner, you can have both aneurysms monitored every 6 or 12 months and if both or either enlarges, go ahead with the repair procedures.

Although there is always a possibility of operative complications, brain surgery is much safer now than it was in 1963. I suggest that you once again review the situation with the specialist to discuss what he will do and what the risks are. You may also wish to find out if there are any other options. You also can choose to have a second opinion from another neurosurgeon. This should eliminate some of your stress and help you come to an informed decision.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “An Informed Approach to Surgery”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

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