In 2012, Debra had trouble with her vision and went to see her eye doctor. She was referred to a neuro ophthalmologist and an MRI showed that Debra had an aneurysm pushing on her optic nerve.
Debra was no stranger to the dangers of brain aneurysms. Her father passed away at the age of 39 due to a brain aneurysm
rupture. Although it is considered uncommon, a family history of brain aneurysms can increase a patient’s risk of developing a brain aneurysm. Routine screenings are encouraged for patients with a family history of cerebral aneurysms.
Debra was referred to UNC Health for further evaluation and treatment for her aneurysm. She was treated by Dr. Sten Solander in the Department of Radiology using a less invasive method in which coils are placed in the aneurysm through a catheter in a blood vessel. After her procedure, Debra was told she had an artery disease that increases her chances of developing more brain aneurysms, and that she also had two small aneurysms that would be monitored by her care team with annual MRI appointments.
Debra continued with her annual imaging appointments until the pandemic hit in 2020. Because of the pandemic, Debra started to spread out her appointments to every other year. In 2024, she was retired and enjoying life with her husband and had not been in for an MRI in two years. Knowing her health history, her family doctor encouraged her to call and schedule an MRI, even though she felt healthy and had no symptoms. Debra called UNC Health to make an appointment, and was told that she would meet with a new physician, cerebrovascular and skull base neurosurgeon Dr. Carlos David, who had recently joined the Department of Neurosurgery.
On August 16, 2024 after an MRI and during her first appointment with Dr. David, Debra was told that the previously small aneurysm that was being monitored had grown significantly and needed to be surgically treated. Debra was surprised because she felt no symptoms or pain, and did not have vision trouble like her first aneurysm. Dr. David ordered further testing and scheduled an anteriogram, an imaging test that uses x-rays and contrast to see inside the arteries.
The anteriogram confirmed the significantly larger aneurysm and that treatment would be necessary to prevent a rupture. Due to the location and irregular shape and size of the aneurysm, the treatment plan would be different from Debra’s previous procedure. This aneurysm would require surgery. “He was so nice and I felt very comfortable,” said Debra.
Debra went in for her surgery to clip the aneurysm. Dr. David was able to successfully secure and eliminate the aneurysm but noted many small blister-like areas on the nearby vessels. These potential weak spots and early aneurysms were too small to clip, so Dr. David relied on an older technique of “wrapping.” The vessels were cocooned with a material called muslin which promotes inflammation and scarring, reinforcing the weak vessels.
While in recovery, Debra had the opportunity to meet nurse navigator Kim Miller. Kim managed all of the scheduling of Debra’s appointments and called Debra before her surgery to go over pre-op instructions over the phone.
Debra was discharged later that day from the hospital. What she described as “discomfort” was easily managed by Tylenol. “I’ve had no pain,” said Debra. “I haven’t needed to take pain pills since I got home.”
“I’m just so thankful for the medical expertise that is at UNC.”
Dr. David told Debra to expect to tire easily during her recovery. She was also cautioned not to bend to lift anything, and to avoid driving for three weeks. Despite these restrictions, she and her husband have not missed a beat and jumped right back into their normal routine, allowing time for extra rest when she feels tired. “I had surgery Tuesday afternoon and on Saturday we went out to eat and to church on Sunday,” said Debra.
Two weeks after her surgery, Debra went back in to have her staples removed. “I couldn’t be more pleased,” said Debra. “I’ve had no side effects. The surgery went exactly how he told me it would be.”
Debra was also pleased that she was able to keep her hair since Dr. David prefers not to shave the head, but rather clips a small amount of hair behind the hairline thus keeping the incision hidden. “You can’t even tell that I had surgery,” said Debra.
Debra plans to resume her annual MRI visits and will attend appointments with Dr. David once a year to monitor for potential new aneurysms. “I’m just so thankful for the medical expertise that is at UNC,” said Debra. “From everybody that came to my bedside from pre op to registration, I couldn’t have asked to be treated any nicer.”
Article by: Makenzie Hardy, Marketing Coordinator, UNC Health Department of Neurosurgery