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Physical Challenge
During the recovery process, whether at the beginning or two years from your last surgery, you might experience some unusual physical challenges. It is comforting to know that you are not alone and that many brain aneurysm survivors are facing similar experiences. Most of these challenges will fade into the background as time goes by, while others will remain constant for many years, depending on your particular situation.
Headaches
Most patients experience different levels of headaches depending on the severity of the aneurysm, whether it ruptured, as well as the type of treatment. Many times, patients who have a hemorrhage will develop a secondary migraine condition as a result of the injury. Headaches can last for two weeks or two years, depending on these variables, as well as change of seasons, health, and stress.
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Headaches can bring about fear and concern. You might worry that you have another aneurysm or wonder if you could have another hemorrhage. Your chances of rerupture are low almost zero. However, there are rare instances when new aneurysms may grow or rupture. If you have the second "worst headache of your life," seek medical attention.
Drowsiness and Fatigue
Exhaustion is a very common complaint from brain aneurysm survivors. This can last for months, even years. The brain takes a very long time to heal, and the energy required for the healing process to take place is great. Also, some of the medications you might be taking could be causing you to feel sluggish and require frequent napping. Napping is good, and is helping your body heal.
Incision Pain
This pain is usually localized to the surgical site. It may take several weeks to heal, and in some cases, absence of touch sensation may not fully return. It may be uncomfortable to sleep on the side that has the incision. However, it is okay to do this without doing any damage
Jaw Pain
Most common on the operative side of the face, and occurs when you try to open your mouth to eat or brush your teeth. To speed up the healing process, exercise your jaw by opening and closing your mouth (about ten times) as wide as you can at least four to five times per day. Notify your doctor, if the jaw pain persists for more than six weeks
Clicking Noise (Head)
You might hear a clicking noise, almost sounding like metal rubbing together. This is common when you position your head in different ways and can be alarming. There is no need to panic. It is actually the bone healing and will take a long time to stop
Back Pain
Because you may have been confined to bed for a long period of time, you may have lost muscle mass, coordination, and balance. Some patients experience sciatica, a shooting pain down the back of your leg, as a result of this lack of activity, and will require physical therapy. Stretching exercises or a heating pad will help alleviate this pain.
Hair Loss
Some medications, the dye from the angiogram, as well as stress may cause initial hair loss. Do not be alarmed it will grow back.
Constipation
This may be an issue due to lack of mobility and addition of pain medication. You may need to take a soft laxative, such as Metamucil, or a stool softener, like Colace. Do not strain or push too hard!
Hearing Loss
Fluid might have accumulated in your ears and takes several weeks to disappear.
Visual Disturbances - blurred, double, peripheral vision problems
Decreased Fine Motor Control - will return in most cases
Delayed Menstruation (women) - talk to your gynecologist
Weight Gain or Weight Loss - medication-related and lack of activity
Seizures - very unlikely. Click here for more information
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