Sister and dad have brain aneurysms.

[insancerre]

My sister who is 45 has just been diagnosed with a brain aneurysm. It’s 15 mm and she’s waiting to see a consultant
My dad was diagnosed with the same in 1992 at 49. He was given 3 months, had an unsuccessful brain op but is still here, defying the odds
Will my gp send me for a mri?
I’m a bit worried about my chances of having the same, especially as my mum died of a brain haemorrhage in 1999 age 51
Anyone had any experience of this or work in this area?

3% of people in the U.K. have a brain aneurysm. If you have two first degree relatives with one, then your chance of also having one rises to 8%.
However, it should be stressed that not all aneurysms are going to rupture. Finding a small one on a scan may just give you a lifetime of needless worry about it.
Secondly, some aneurysms are multiple or not treatable. Finding this out could also stress you.
Trying to treat a non leaking aneurysm as a preventative measure is not without risk, and can precipitate the very bleed you were trying to avoid.
I think you need to discuss with your GP the pros and cons of having a diagnostic scan.
Before you do, I recommend you read the patient information leaflet about it on the NHS Lothian website - it’s very clearly and simply explained in plain English.
If you want my personal view - my DH died of a brain aneurysm at 36. My DD2 nearly died at birth from a brain haemorrhage. I have not advised her to be scanned, to see if she has further aneurysms, as I am not convinced of the benefit, compared to the distress of perhaps learning she has a life threatening but untreatable condition.

Thanks babdoc
Sorry to hear about your husband and daughter

This is just an anecdotal story so dont be worrying about it. I have a relative who suffered a sub arachnoid haemorrhage as a result of a ruptured berry aneurysm in one of the branches of the circle of willis.

Thankfully it bled then coagulated. It was repaired using GDC coiling and is subject to ongoing monitoring.

Thanks cat
I’ve got an appointment tomorrow with my gp
I probably will opt for a scan as I wouldn’t cope with not knowing