The Brain Blog
TERMS
Brain Aneurysm:
(also spelled aneurism) an excessive localized enlargement of an artery caused by a weakening of the artery wall on my left internal carotid artery (one of the two main arteries that carry blood to the head and neck, and their two main branches.) in what is called the “Circle of Willis”. Dr. Kwan used 16 coils.
Vasospasm:
or narrowing of the blood vessels.
TCD’s: Transcranial doppler ultrasound. A non-invasive ultrasound method used to examine the blood circulation within the brain. (Kathleen did most of my scans.) Doppler ultrasound scanning measures blood flowing through the carotid arteries or the arteries at the base of the brain.
Coiling: Endovascular (meaning within the bloodvessel) embolization, or coiling, uses the natural access to the brain through the bloodstream via arteries to diagnosis and treat brain aneurysms. The goal of the treatment is to safely seal off the aneurysm and stop further blood from entering into the aneurysm and increasing the risk of rupture or possibly rebleeding.
On October 5th, 2006 I suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm. A frightening experience to be sure, but I was very lucky compared to some. Here is the story of the fight and recovery. More recent entries are at the top.
Click the GO TO ARCHIVE link to read about it from
the beginning.
Helpful WebsiteS AND INFO
Short graphical video.
An actual operation of the procedure on an UNruptured aneurysm. About an hour long. Click on View Webcast.
Simple, descriptive explanations.
The Aneurysm and AVM Foundation
Descriptions and facts.
To See The Story and Progress from the beginning, see the ARCHIVE.
How It All Began
Once I was able to type and access a computer again, I recorded the events, from day one. Click the photo to the left.
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