Course

Posterior communicating (PCoA) aneurysm — CN III palsy warning sign, CTA/DSA detection, and urgency (Advanced)

Advanced course: a PCoA aneurysm can compress the 3rd cranial nerve and may present with new drooping eyelid and pupil changes. Learn why this is urgent, and how CTA/MRA/DSA and CT rule out hemorrhage

FoundationsCaregiver, SurvivorAdvanced55 minPlain (6–8)

Educational only

Educational only — not medical advice.

What you'll learn

  • Recognize CN III palsy (ptosis + eye movement limits) as a possible aneurysm emergency
  • Understand why pupil involvement is a key red flag (high-level)
  • Understand imaging pathway: CT for hemorrhage, CTA/MRA for aneurysm screening, DSA for detail
  • Know what questions to ask about rupture risk and next steps

Practice check

Check your understanding

A few untimed questions. Pick an answer to see instant feedback, then continue to the next lesson.

0 of 3 answered

Question 1

1. Sudden drooping eyelid with a new abnormal pupil can be a neurologic emergency.

Question 2

2. CTA/MRA are used to…

Question 3

3. DSA is…