BAVD question--Arlyss?

[Mary]

Arlyss,
I've been following the links you supply to the BAVD foundation, but it took my reading this particular one to realize it probably applies to me.
http://www.bicuspidfoundation.com/Stories_of_Hope_Carrie_Mettler.html
Two years ago I had a cavernous angioma found by MRI after a significant TIA episode landed me in the hospital. It was later determined that the clots were most likely originating from the calcification on my stenotic bicuspid aortic valve, and it was replaced a year ago.
At the time the angioma was found, I was told that it should cause me no problems. However after reading the link you supplied, I'm not so sure. I know that neither the cardiologist nor the neurologist linked the two conditions.
Since the replacement, I have developed a sensation that feels like a very strong beating in my head, but it comes and goes. Coryp, another BAVDer, likened it to a metronome, and I agree that's what it feels like. I thought it would diminish the further away I got from surgery, but it still reappears--for instance, this morning.
Do you know if Dr. Schievink is still doing research on the connection between a BAV and the berry aneurysm?
Thanks for any additional information you might provide.
Mary

 

[Arlyss]

Dr. Schievink is a vascular neurosurgeon and consequently deals with aneurysms in the brain. He also specializes in Cerebrospinal Fluid leaks. When my husband had his stroke, I knew that one possibility might be dissection of his carotid artery - that was ruled out. But I knew it was a possibility because of Dr. Schievink's work.

Dr. Raissi and Dr. Schievink collaborate together regarding bicuspid patients - so that their patients have "top down" screening of their arteries - head, neck, and aorta. As you read about Carrie, it is saving lives. She is not the only BAV I know with a brain aneurysm.

I will never forget sitting around a table talking with three members of the same family - two brothers and their sister - two of them had bicuspid valves and ascending aortic aneurysms, and the third a brain aneurysm.

If I find any links that I think might help, I will update this thread with them.

Best wishes,
Arlyss