Dawn Roberts – finding balance and gratitude after brain aneurysm treatment
- HBA Support
- Nov 4
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 5
When Dawn’s daughter suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm at just 28, it changed everything. “Watching her go through something so frightening was unbearable,” Dawn remembers. “It was every parent’s worst nightmare. The hospital team were incredible, but those first few days were the longest of my life.”
Thankfully, her daughter made a good recovery. But when doctors advised the rest of the family to be screened for hereditary aneurysms, Dawn was confronted with news she hadn’t expected: she had one too. “It was an enormous shock,” she says. “You hear those words and your mind races. I couldn’t believe it was happening to us twice.”
Taking control of a brain aneurysm diagnosis
Doctors reassured Dawn that the chance of her aneurysm rupturing was relatively small (around five to ten per cent during her lifetime). Still, the diagnosis brought waves of anxiety and fear.
“I was lucky mine was found before it caused any damage,” she says. “Knowing about it meant I could take control. Understanding the treatment options really helped me come to terms with it and look forward again.”
Dawn went on to have endovascular surgery using a state-of-the-art system called Contour, designed to seal the neck of the aneurysm and prevent rupture.
Recovery and resilience
The months that followed were a test of patience and trust. Dawn experienced episodes of scintillating scotoma, a shimmering loss of vision similar to a migraine aura, which gradually faded with time. She also remembers one worrying morning when she lost sensation down one side of her body and feared she had experienced a transient ischaemic attack (TIA).
“A scan showed everything was fine, thankfully,” she says. “The neurologist thought it might be linked to caffeine, so I switched to decaf, and I’ve been fine ever since. It just took a little while for my brain to settle and heal.”
Follow-up scans at six, twelve and twenty-four months confirmed the best possible outcome: her aneurysm was fully occluded, with no signs of further issues.
“When I was eventually discharged from regular monitoring, I had mixed feelings,” Dawn admits. “It’s reassuring to be told you’re fine, but there’s also a sense of, ‘what now?’ Over time, I’ve learned not to let worry creep in. Most days, I don’t even think about it.”
A family journey
Dawn’s daughter now has regular five-yearly scans for reassurance.
“She’s done incredibly well and hasn’t let it hold her back,” Dawn says proudly. “It’s been hard for both of us at times, but we’re grateful to have each other to talk to. Having someone who truly understands makes all the difference.”
Her son, now in his thirties, also chose to be screened. “He wasn’t sure at first if he wanted to know, but eventually decided to go ahead, and it came back clear, which was such a relief,” she says. “It really shows how personal these choices are. Screening was the right decision for me, but I know it’s not the same for everyone.”
Living well with a brain aneurysm
Three years on from surgery, Dawn describes herself as grateful, grounded and more positive than ever. “When something like this happens in your family, it changes your perspective completely,” she says. “I don’t take things for granted anymore. I’ve slowed down a little, spend more time in the garden and with my animals, and make sure I’m living life on my own terms.”
She laughs that she still manages to bump her head regularly while looking after her horses, but says she tries not to overthink it. “You can’t live your life in fear,” she smiles.
“Clinicians are experts on treating aneurysms, but not always on how to live with one. That’s something you learn day by day.”
Encouraging others
As a trustee for HBA Support, Dawn now uses her experience to help others feel less alone.
“When I was diagnosed, I felt frustrated and confused. There wasn’t much information for families like ours. Most of what I found focused on ruptured aneurysms, not on people living with a family history. That’s why I’m so passionate about helping HBA Support fill that gap.”
Online communities have also been part of her journey. “Facebook groups can be helpful, but there’s a lot of misinformation out there,” she says. “That’s why it’s so important to have reliable, evidence-based information for patients and their families.”
“I see people who are too frightened to travel or ride horses again. I understand that fear, but you can’t let it take over. Most days, I forget I ever had an aneurysm. You really can live well and positively after treatment.”
Dawn hopes her story will inspire others to trust their instincts and seek help if they suspect a family link.
“If you think aneurysms might run in your family, don’t be afraid to ask about screening,” she says. “You might have to ask more than once, but it’s absolutely worth it. And if you do get a diagnosis, remember that there is hope. Treatment is usually very successful, and there is life beyond the fear.”
Brain Aneurysm Resources and support
If you have any health concerns related to the topics in this article, please speak to your GP or a clinical professional.
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