Navigating the ER with a Brain Aneurysm: What to Expect and How an Aging Life Care Manager® Can Help
A brain aneurysm is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention. When a person arrives at the emergency room with symptoms such as a sudden, severe headache, loss of consciousness, nausea, or neurological impairments, the medical team acts swiftly to diagnose and stabilize the patient. The initial priority is to assess the severity of the rupture, control blood pressure, and determine the best course of treatment.
Diagnostic Tests for a Brain Aneurysm
Upon arrival, the patient will likely undergo several tests to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate the extent of the damage:
- CT Scan: The first-line imaging test used to detect bleeding in the brain.
- MRI: Provides a more detailed view of the brain and assesses any additional damage.
- Cerebral Angiography: A more in-depth test that uses contrast dye and X-ray imaging to pinpoint the exact location of the aneurysm.
- Lumbar Puncture: In cases where a CT scan does not clearly show bleeding, a spinal tap may be performed to check for blood in the cerebrospinal fluid.
Emergency Treatments in the ER
Stabilization and immediate intervention are critical in the ER to prevent further complications. Common treatments include:
- Blood Pressure Management: Medications are administered to keep blood pressure under control and reduce the risk of further rupture.
- IV Fluids and Electrolyte Management: Helps maintain hydration and electrolyte balance.
- Calcium Channel Blockers: Medications like nimodipine are given to prevent blood vessel spasms that can occur after an aneurysm rupture.
- Pain Management: To reduce discomfort and agitation.
- Seizure Prevention Medication: Administered if there is a high risk of seizures.
If the aneurysm has ruptured and requires immediate surgical intervention, the patient will be prepped for one of the following procedures:
- Surgical Clipping: A neurosurgical procedure where a small clip is placed at the base of the aneurysm to cut off blood supply and prevent further rupture.
- Endovascular Coiling: A less invasive procedure in which tiny coils are inserted into the aneurysm via a catheter to promote clotting and prevent rupture.
The Role of an Aging Life Care Manager® in the Hospital Setting
During such a stressful and complex medical event, an Aging Life Care Manager® plays a crucial role in supporting both the patient and their family. They help by:
- Providing Both Expert & Emotional Support: Offering guidance and reassurance to family members who may feel overwhelmed by medical jargon and critical decisions.
- Facilitating Communication: Ensuring that families understand the diagnosis, treatment plan, and what to expect.
- Advocating for the Patient: Asking critical questions about treatment options, surgery risks, and potential outcomes to ensure the best care.
- Coordinating with the Medical Team: Acting as a bridge between doctors, nurses, and the patient’s loved ones to streamline communication.
As the patient stabilizes in the ICU, the Aging Life Care Manager® continues to monitor their progress and prepare for the next stages of recovery. Understanding the treatment process and having a professional advocate by your side can make a significant difference in navigating such a challenging health crisis.
Maria & Sofia Navigate Hospital Care with Help From an Aging Life Care Manager®
We are going to be sharing the story of how Maria navigated the journey to recovery after an aneurysm with the help of an Aging Life Care Manager®. Check back next month to read the next step of Maria’s journey to recovery!
In last month’s blog we shared that Maria’s neighbor found her collapsed and rushed her to the hospital. Here is what happened next.
When her daughter, Sofia, arrived at the hospital, she was immediately met with a whirlwind of medical terms and urgent decisions. The doctors explained that Maria’s aneurysm had ruptured, and they wanted to get her right into surgery for what they called a surgical clipping to stop the bleeding.
She turned to our Aging Life Care Manager®, to discuss the surgery and understand if there were options. The care manager discussed the situation with her and explained that this was the surgery that most people with ruptured aneurysms receive. Sofia agreed it was the best decision and they let the medical team know. The nurse said the operating room was being prepped and she would be taken in soon. Sofia and the care manager sat with Maria and Sofia explained what was happening even though Maria was not communicative at this time.
When the surgeon came in to discuss the situation and have Sofia sign the authorizations, the care manager listened intently, asking important questions Sofia hadn’t even thought of.
The neurosurgeon explained that they would perform Surgical Clipping, a procedure that would require opening the skull to place a small clip at the base of the aneurysm to cut off blood flow. While it would involve a longer recovery, it was the best option to prevent future complications. Sofia was anxious but stated that she understood.
As the hospital staff took Maria away for surgery, Sofia’s boyfriend arrived to sit with her. The care manager went to see another client and told Sofia she could text if there was news and she would not be far away. Sofia texted updates to the care manager. The hours crawled by, but finally, the surgeon emerged with good news—the procedure had gone well. Maria was back in the ICU, beginning the road to recovery.
Over the next few days, Sofia and the care manager stayed in close contact. Whenever Sofia had a question about her mother’s condition or treatment, she knew she had someone knowledgeable to turn to. When Maria started to regain awareness, the care manager visited again, preparing them for what was ahead—memory lapses, fatigue, and frustration were all normal parts of the healing process. The next steps would be crucial in ensuring Maria’s recovery went as smoothly as possible.
With professional guidance, Sofia felt a sense of relief. She didn’t have to navigate this alone. The care manager was already helping her think through what came next, ensuring Maria would get the right support as she moved from the ICU to the next phase of care.