The University of Pittsburgh Department of Neurological Surgery is dedicated to providing exceptional care for our patients, both in and out of the hospital. With this in mind, the department has formed the Western Pennsylvania Brain Aneurysm and AVM Support Group, designed to provide a platform of education and support for patients—and their families—struggling with the physical and emotional problems associated with aneurysms and AVMs.
The support group has been specifically designed to combine education about aneurysms and AVMs, as well as provide a look into the different aspects of care. Monthly speakers in such fields as neuropsychology, research, neurological surgery, stroke and critical care medicine allow patients and families to ask questions regarding their diagnosis and deficits—both emotional and physical. After each speaker, the floor is open to anyone who would like to share their concerns, fears, hopes, triumphs and effective coping mechanisms.
By providing education and support, patients and families begin to understand that their diagnosis and deficits are multifaceted and recovery is an ongoing process.
The Western Pennsylvania Brain Aneurysm and AVM Support Group is supported by the National Brain Aneurysm Foundation (NBAF) and the Joe Niekro Foundation, two national non-profit groups highly dedicated to increasing awareness, education and support for aneurysm treatment and research.
The aneurysm and AVM support group is open to any person or family member diagnosed with either a brain aneurysm or an AVM, regardless of hospital affiliation or treatment status.
Meetings are currently held virtually via Microsoft Teams on the second Wednesday of every month at 6 p.m. Interested participants can contact Rachel Wrigley, MPAS, PA-C, (rogersr4@upmc.edu) or Sarah Kwiatkowski, FNP-C, (kwiatkowskise@upmc.edu) for instructions on how to join.