About Hereditary Brain Aneurysms

What is a hereditary brain aneurysm?

In most cases, brain aneurysms are not hereditary, and there is generally only a single case in a family. Occasionally, however, an individual with a brain aneurysm will have other close family members who have also had brain aneurysms.

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When two or more first-degree relatives (parent, child, or sibling) have proven brain aneurysms, people can be given the diagnosis of ‘familial aneurysm syndrome’, and close family members may be referred for further investigations and screenings. In the medical community, these are often referred to as familial aneurysms. 

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What’s the latest NHS advice if I think I may be at risk?

There is limited information and guidance on the NHS website about familial disease.  For information, including details about how brain aneurysms are diagnosed and treated, please follow this link.

If you have a strong family history, including two or more first-degree relatives, members of your close family (parents, brothers, and sisters) may also be advised to have an MRA or MRI scan to check for possible aneurysms too.

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If you have any questions or concerns, talk to your GP about your family history and worries. They can then advise on the next steps and access to NHS screening. You may also be referred to a genetic counsellor to discuss your family history and decide whether screening is right. More information about genetic testing is also available on the NHS website.

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NHS Lothian has produced a useful guide for people considering screening for brain aneurysms. To download a pdf of the guide, visit this link: information for adults considering screening for brain aneurysm.pdf (nhslothian.scot)

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