Joseph Parisella was watching his favorite show one afternoon when he suddenly felt a sharp pain in his head. Moments later, he ran to the bathroom feeling nauseous and began vomiting. His wife, Nancy, called 911 immediately resulting in first responders arriving and rushing Joseph to the Comprehensive Stroke Center at MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center. Upon the assessment of Joseph’s symptoms, it was discovered he had suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm.
A brain aneurysm, also known as a cerebral aneurysm, is a bulge in a weakened artery wall in the brain that bulges out and fills with blood. An aneurysm can exert pressure on the nerves or brain tissues, and it may eventually rupture. When an aneurysm ruptures, it can lead to health issues such as hemorrhagic stroke, brain damage, coma, and death.
Joseph’s critical condition was assigned to Hooshang Pak, M.D., a neurosurgeon at MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center. Dr. Pak was able to assess Joseph’s symptoms and diagnosed him in moment’s notice. Aneurysms and other emergent brain conditions are often called “brain attacks,” similar to how people know heart attacks. Just like a heart attack, time is of the essence to help minimize damage to the brain to try to keep as much functionality as possible.
Signs & Symptoms of Brain Aneurysm
Brain aneurysms form because blood flowing through the blood vessel puts pressure on a weak area of the vessel wall. This can increase the size of the brain aneurysm. If the brain aneurysm leaks or ruptures, it causes bleeding in the brain, known as a hemorrhagic stroke. There are a few symptoms that can be visible prior to a ruptured brain aneurysm, but in rare cases like Joseph’s there can be no prior symptoms or health issues that link to the ruptured aneurysm.
Signs and symptoms of a ruptured brain aneurysm include:
- Intense headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stiff neck
- Blurred or double vision
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Seizures
- Drooping eyelids and a dilated pupil
- Pain above and behind your eye
- Confusion
- Weakness and/or numbness
- Loss of consciousness
It is critical to be aware of the symptoms of a brain aneurysm to have access to quick intervention. Brain aneurysms are considered life-threatening conditions, so if you are experiencing any of these signs call 911 and seek medical care as soon as possible. Time is crucial with these instances, and the quicker you get access to leading care, the better the outcome will be.
Leading Neurological Care, Close to Home
Joseph’s stroke team initially attempted a minimally invasive procedure called endovascular coiling to treat his aneurysm. This procedure involves threading a catheter through a blood vessel to the site of the aneurysm and sealing it with tiny platinum coils, which helps prevent further bleeding. Endovascular coiling is often preferred because it is less invasive than traditional surgery, results in shorter recovery times, and typically offers excellent outcomes.
However, once the team advanced the catheter and used advanced imaging to assess the aneurysm, Drs. Viktor Szeder and May Nour, neuroradiologists on The Division of Interventional Neuroradiology (DINR) team, realized that its location made it difficult to reach using the coiling technique. Additionally, given the severity of the rupture, they had to act quickly to stop the bleeding before Joseph’s condition deteriorated further.
“After identifying the source of the bleeding, we determined that the safest and most effective course of action was to proceed with a surgical clipping procedure,” explained Dr. Pak. “This involved temporarily removing a small section of the skull to access the aneurysm and placing a tiny clip at its base. The clip effectively blocks blood flow to the aneurysm, preventing further rupture and reducing the risk of rebleeding.”
Thanks to the expertise and coordinated efforts of the care team at the Long Beach Medical Center Stroke Center, the procedure was performed successfully, and the bleeding was stopped.
Nancy, Joseph’s wife, expressed her gratitude for the team’s dedication and transparency throughout the process. “Dr. Pak took the time to thoroughly explain everything to me, including why the coiling procedure wasn’t feasible due to the aneurysm’s location,” she said. “I trusted him and his team with my husband’s life, and I know they made the right decision. They truly saved him.”
Dr. Pak’s swift decision-making and expert execution of the clipping procedure not only stabilized Joseph’s condition but also ultimately saved his life.
“Dr. Pak and the team did an incredible job,” Joseph shared. “Even when they encountered challenges locating the bleeding, they never gave up on me. They made sure I received the right treatment for my condition, and I’m so grateful for their persistence and care.
From Neurosurgery to Intensive Care to Rehab
Following the successful surgery, Joseph was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where he received continuous monitoring and critical care. The medical team closely observed him for any potential complications, ensuring a smooth recovery process.
“The care team was incredible, especially Joseph’s nurse Danny, who went above and beyond for us,” said Nancy. “He always made sure Joseph was comfortable, helping him with his baths and even helping him shave. Nurses like Danny made such a challenging time so much more bearable.”
After Joseph was discharged from the ICU, he then continued to received care at the stroke unit. As an outpatient, Joseph then became a patient at MemorialCare Neuro Rehabilitation Center, through these visits, he slowly returned back to his old self. The neurology rehab center is a multi-disciplinary rehabilitation program that treats conditions such as: stroke, trauma to the spinal cord, and progressive disorders such as multiple sclerosis.
“Neurological impairments can significantly decrease independence in daily activities and limit mobility for many patients,” says Meghan Tolentino, RN, nurse practitioner, stroke center, Long Beach Medical Center. “With the help of neurorehabilitation, changes can be made to improve a patient’s physical, functional, cognitive, and swallowing abilities. The Neurorehabilitation team helps patients integrate back into their everyday activities at home, school, and work.”
With the help of the neurorehabilitation center, Joseph was able to walk again and fully regained his cognitive response within three months.
“It feels miraculous that I’m still here, healthy and able to live my life,” said Joseph. “The Neuro Rehabilitation Center played such a huge role in my recovery — there’s no way I’d be where I am today without the help and support offered to me by the care team.”
The Neuro Rehabilitation Center is there to help patients get back on their feet and get back to their lives. Thanks to Joseph’s care team he has been able to regain his quality of life, giving Joseph the opportunity to go back to those hobbies he loves so dearly like playing racket ball and going on his afternoon runs.
“The team at Long Beach Medical Center didn’t just treat me like another patient — they treated me like family,” said Joseph. “They gave me a second chance at life, and the care I received from start to finish was nothing short of exceptional.”
Long Beach Medical Center is proud to provide world-class neurological care for the communities it serves. The MemorialCare Stroke Center’s participation in the American Heart Association’s Get with the Guidelines Stroke program reflects its commitment to improving outcomes for stroke and aneurysm patients. As one of the few stroke-neurology receiving centers in Long Beach and Orange County, the medical center is setting a new standard in stroke and aneurysm treatment.
If you or a loved one experiences symptoms of a brain aneurysm or stroke, don’t wait—call 911 immediately. Quick action can save lives.
