Your successful recovery is our primary concern. The process will vary depending on the circumstances of your condition. The overall length of stay may be from one to four weeks following surgery.

The length of your hospital stay will depend on:

• The size and type of the aneurysm
• Whether the aneurysm ruptured or remained unruptured
• Where the aneurysm was located in the brain
• The treatment procedure that was performed

Most patients will initially recover for the first few days in the neurointensive care unit (neuro ICU) at St. Joseph's Hospital. Once the patient is transferred from the neuro ICU, our physicians will closely monitor the pressure levels of the brain to evaluate if there are any complications or bleeding. If all is well, no further rehabilitation may be needed.

Factors that influence recovery may also include: your health status before the procedure, as well as your physical and emotional response after treatment.

Helpful reading

The diagnosis of a brain aneurysm or vascular malformation is stressful and daunting. For that reason, Eric Nussbaum, MD, FACS, wrote his first book, Brian Aneurysms and Vascular Malformations - A Guide for Patients and Families to better explain brain conditions and treatment options.

"Until now, disorders of the blood vessels of the brain have been considered so complicated that almost all information about these conditions has been written strictly for doctors. The purpose of the book is to demystify, educate and inform patients and families," said Dr. Nussbaum. Order the book.

How friends and family can help when visiting the neuro ICU

Visiting Patients in the Neurointensive Care Unit was written by Barbara Ladd McNamara, a former patient of the National Brain Aneurysm Center. Barbara had 13 brain aneurysms successfully treated in 2007 and offers a unique perspective to neuro ICU visitors.

After recovery: Patient follow-up

A patient's follow-up, on a local and national level, will be facilitated through ongoing communication between his or her local physicians and our medical team. This collaborative approach is organized to continually assess patient needs as they surface.

Support groups