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You will spend a short amount of time in the recovery room, approximately 30 minutes to one hour.

During this time regular neurological observations will be performed by the nursing staff.This is to check that you are waking up properly from the anaesthetic. It involves asking you simple questions, testing the strength of your arms and legs and shining a light in your eyes. Your blood pressure and heart rate will also be monitored. The nurse will check the small wound in your groin for any bleeding and the pulse in your foot. This is to ensure that your blood circulation to your legs has not been affected. Depending on the length of your procedure you may be cared for in a high dependency area before returning to the neurosurgical ward.

You will have to lie flat on your back for 12-24 hours following the coiling procedure; this prevents any excess pressure on the artery which could contribute to bleeding. It also minimises the pressure within the brain. Depending on your recovery after this time, you will be able to sit up gradually, usually at about 30 degrees to start with; the nurses will assist you with this. Throughout this time the nurses on the ward will continue to monitor you and carry out neurological observations. Pain killers will be given for any discomfort or headaches you may be experiencing.You are also likely to have a drip to prevent dehydration and possibly a urinary catheter. Because you are restricted to bed rest you will have to wear pressure stockings, these help to prevent deep vein thrombosis (blood clots) forming in your legs.

The length of stay in hospital depends on whether the treatment by coiling has been for a ruptured or unruptured aneurysm. If it has been for a ruptured aneurysm, the length of stay will depend on how the brain haemorrhage has otherwise affected you, but it is usually between 7-10 days after coiling. If the coiling procedure was not following a haemorrhage, you may expect to go home either the day after the procedure or as soon as you are fully mobile.

Once you have been discharged home you will be sent an appointment to visit the consultant in the outpatients department usually within three months following your coiling. An angiogram is often repeated in the first and second years following the coiling to check the aneurysm has been completely blocked by the coils. Sometimes more coils may need to be inserted in the aneurysm at a later date, your consultant will discuss this fully with you.

It is important to be aware that every hospital is different, the procedure and before and after care may vary from hospital to hospital, therefore, this leaflet provides a standard view of what to expect. If you have any questions about your particular treatment and care, please do not hesitate to ask your nursing and medical staff; they are there to help you.