Radialogically Angioembolisation and craniotomy: Need support to have an idea of exactly how long it takes to recover completely

Hi All,

My husband had embolization on Aug 8th, 2012 and then an emergency craniotomy on the same day due to AVM bleed.

uploading his brain MRI report before embolization and craniotomy.

I am very curious and need your support to have an idea of exactly how long it takes to recover completely.

MRI report comments:

Evidence of serpiginous areas of flow void noted on T1 and T2 inverted images in left occipital region adjacent to dural. The structures are intercommunicating and communicating with venous confluence.

Impression:

Serpiginous areas of flow voids involving left occipital region communicating with the confluence of dural venous sinuses suggesting arteriovenous malformation.

Discharge summary:

Patient was admitted with the afore mentioned complaints, diagnosed with left occipital arteriovenous malformation. Radialogically Angioembolisation of AVM was performed on 8/8/12 with cannulation of feeders from left MCA (middle cerebral artery) and left PCA (posterior cerebral artery) (2 each-major) with microcatheters and embolization , 95% of embolization was achieved. Post embolsation patient developed ICH (Intracerebral Hemorrhage) and SAH (Subarachnoidand Hemorrhage )with a drop of GCS to 11/15. An emergency craniotomy for resection of AVM and evacuation of hematoma was performed and patient shifted to Recovery-ICU and extubated after assessing GCS.

Patient remained in recovery with a GCS of 7/15 with a planned stand by ventilator and decided to have a cerebral angiogram which was performed on 9/8/12 which revealed no residual AVM.

Patient shifted from recovery to ward, started spiking fever, cultures indicated Staphlococcal species sensitive to vancomycin and he was started on the same and responded well.

Level of consciousness improved gradually , patient shifted from special care to general bed and physiotherapy and rehabilitation was started. He responded well and so occupational and speech therapy were also started. He had daily pysiotherapy and was mobilized on regular basis.

NG feed stopped switched to oral diet.Surgical wound site remained halthy , staple stitches were removed on 23/8/12.

He has started speaking sentences and is following commands.

Currently he has right side facial weakness.
Right sided upper limb hypertonia.


Updates:

My husband has been discharged on 21st Sep 2012, his right lower limb has been improved so much.But upper limb's movement has not been started yet.We are having physiotherapy twice a day and going to gym for exercises , OT and speech therapy twice a week. His level of consciousness has been improved. He remembers most of the things and he recognize to all his relatives.We have observed that he can even read with big fonts. Sometimes complaints about double vision. But sees matches and sports channels and tells the runs and wickets correctly, recognizes all players.

I am very much concerned about his mental health.

Can anyone please give me an idea of how long it takes to recover completely mentally. Like when he will be able to go back to work. Will be able to walk independently, and will start moving and taking use of his right hand. like when he will be able to make signatures from his right hand and when he will be able to type as he does all his office work on laptop.

Waiting consciously for everyones response. Thanks alot

Hi AIK. The problem is that every AVM is different. There are so many different factors that depend upon the degree of recovery. Location of the AVM…size of the AVM…was there pressure put on the brain due to the bleed.
I believe the key to recovery is determination and persistence. I know it seems like an eternity but it has not even been six months yet. Unfortunately, that is nothing in terms of recovery from an acquired brain injury. The brain heals SLOWLY but it can heal!

Welcome to the site AIK!

As Barbara said, AVMs are unique, and recovery for all persons vary greatly.

You posted a lot of the medial information, but just to be clear, to my knowledge, none of the members here are trained medical personnel. If some members are in the medical field, few likely work specifically with AVMs. So your doctors will know much more about your situation and prognosis. Most here have found that their Drs are reluctant to offer specific recovery information, just for the reasons stated here.

All you can do is take one day at a time, get plenty of rest, follow your Dr's orders, seek all the physical and mental therapy you can, and try to improve every day. It's a long/slow journey. Celebrate any and all improvements.

Best wishes,
Ron, Kansas

AlK, It is very hard to understand the release report you sent. I have mine and have no idea what most of it means. As Barbara and Ron said, every AVM recovery is different and they are slower than say "a broken leg". I takes time. Stay Strong and Stay Positive!