A family member recently suffered a brain aneurysm. He is in an induced coma and we do not feel confident that we are getting the best possible diagnosis on his condition. We would like a second opinion, and would like it from someone who is not affiliated with the hospital he is being treated at. Can we have a 3rd party give us a second opinion. We are willing to pay for this, we just want to make sure we have exhausted every option and know 1000% that we are making the right decision. Are there doctors in the Chicagoland area that can do a 3rd party second opinion? Or can we request a transfer. Another issue we are having is insurance. His medicaid is pending so we are not sure how that will affect transfer, if a transfer is even possible. He is obviously at the closest hospital to his house but we would prefer him to be at Northwestern Memorial in Chicago as they are ranked # 1 in Illinois and #7 Nationally in brain trauma. We just want him to get the best care possible. They are saying there is to much damage to the brain stem, but we have noticed signs of him understanding us. His daughter asked him to squeeze her hand twice and he did. There was also a time when a estranged family member came into the room, and when he started talking his blood pressure went from 125 to 175 within in seconds, then when he left the room it went back to normal. These could be coincidental signs but we do not feel that way. He is also in an induced coma and when the try to take him out his blood pressure goes up. We also do not understand how they can make a determination on diagnosis if they are still draining from the initial aneurysm. We feel that all the blood should be completely drained and all swelling subsided before any final decisions are made. They are suggesting he will never recover but will not say for sure that he will not recover and want to do an opiate overdose on him. We want to make sure there is NO chance he will recover before we even start the decision process on what our next step is.
Hi. Brain aneurysms cause subarachnoid hemorrhage and brain edema. Treatment depends on Glasgow coma scale of patient and size and location of aneurysm. If GCS more than 7 pupils are reactive, then angiography is advised .2 options in treatment are Coiling vs clipping. As your patient is following commands like squeezing hands , antiedema measures started, treatment clipping vs coiling should be planned. Advised to admit the patient under neurosurgeon. Thanks