Ruptured aneurysm, brain swelling, stroke & coma
Looking for similar stories / experiences after a severe ruptured brain aneurysm
My dad (59yo) suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm with extensive subarachnoid bleeding almost 5.5 weeks ago. He initially underwent open-brain clipping, during which the artery ruptured again but was controlled. He subsequently developed severe brain swelling + large secondary stroke (left side), and required a decompressive craniectomy.
He remained unconscious after sedation was stopped, with very limited movement (GCS 3). He only responds to pain in what they call ‘extension’ which is apparently the worst type of response to have. Prior to the swelling he was actually showing meaningful movement in the left side of his body (localisation). The doctors have described the neurological damage as severe and his prognosis as extremely poor. They wanted us to remove his breathing tube as they thought there is no hope for him but we declined.
He eventually had a tracheostomy and was successfully weaned off the ventilator. He is now in the ward, but remains in a coma/unresponsive state.
They believe he will likely die in hospital from secondary complications.
Has anyone had a family member with a similarly severe aneurysm/brain injury who remained unconscious for weeks after surgery and later showed meaningful recovery? I know every brain injury is different and I’m not looking for medical predictions, I’d just really like to hear from people who’ve actually been through something similar. At this point I cant tell if we are delusional in hoping for a miracle ❤️