A family member had a brain aneurysm: Should I get tested?
If a family member had a brain aneurysm, whether to have tests depends on the relationship, the number of cases, and any associated hereditary conditions.
By Dr. Martin Roberto Casas MartínezOct 16, 20265 min read
In this article
- Does having a family member with an aneurysm increase my risk?
- What information about my family and me will the specialist review?
- When is screening considered?
- What tests are used, and what are their limitations?
- What does it mean if the result is positive or negative?
- Frequently asked questions
- What should I ask the specialist?
- References
Summary: If a family member had a brain aneurysm, whether you should get screened depends on your relationship to them and the number of cases: the risk increases especially when two or more first-degree relatives (parents, siblings, or children) have had one, and screening is usually reserved for people at high risk. A specialist can help make this decision, also considering associated inherited conditions and factors such as smoking and high blood pressure.
When a family member has had a brain aneurysm, especially one that ruptured, it’s natural to wonder whether you should get screened. The answer isn’t the same for everyone: some family histories warrant an assessment, while others don’t change the general recommendation. Understanding what factors into that decision can help you bring the right information to your appointment.
Does having a family member with an aneurysm increase my risk?
Yes, having family members with brain aneurysms increases risk, especially when two or more first-degree relatives have had one. An increased risk does not mean you will develop an aneurysm.
A brain aneurysm is a widening in the wall of an artery in the brain. Many cause no symptoms and are discovered only during tests done for another reason. Having a family member who had one indicates a possible predisposition, but individual risk depends on other factors.
What information about my family and me will the specialist review?
The specialist reviews the relationship (first-degree or more distant), how many family members had an aneurysm, whether any of them had a rupture, the age at which it occurred, and whether there are associated hereditary conditions in the family. Your own profile also matters: smoking, high blood pressure, and alcohol or drug use.
- •Relationship and number of relatives: two or more first-degree relatives carry more weight than one distant relative.
- •Inherited or congenital conditions: polycystic kidney disease, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, coarctation of the aorta, or a cerebral arteriovenous malformation.
- •Personal factors: smoking contributes to aneurysm formation and rupture; high blood pressure weakens the arteries; excessive alcohol use and illicit drugs raise blood pressure.
Write down who had the aneurysm, how old they were, and what happened; medical records for the family member are helpful if you have them.
When is screening considered?
Screening for unruptured aneurysms is usually done only when the risk is high: a family history involving two or more affected first-degree relatives, or an inherited condition that increases risk. If only one family member is affected, screening is considered on a case-by-case basis.
There is no set age or universal schedule for these tests; the specialist decides whether they are appropriate, when to do them, and whether to repeat them. It is also not recommended that everyone with an affected family member get screened on their own.
If you have a family history, the institutional recommendation is to ask your healthcare professional whether screening is appropriate for you.
What tests are used, and what are their limitations?
Screening uses imaging tests of the brain’s arteries, primarily magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and CT angiography; catheter angiography is reserved for when the other tests do not provide enough information. No test eliminates future risk or answers every question.
MRA produces detailed images of the arteries using magnetic fields, without a catheter. CT angiography uses X-rays and injected contrast material. Catheter angiography involves threading a thin tube through an artery to the brain and is more invasive.
A normal result describes your condition today, not what it will be in a few years. And a small finding may require follow-up with additional tests, which can cause worry; it’s a good idea to discuss this possibility before getting tested.
What does it mean if the result is positive or negative?
If an unruptured aneurysm with no symptoms is found, it is generally not an emergency: the specialist evaluates its size, shape, and location to recommend monitoring or treatment. If the result is negative, the specialist determines whether it makes sense to repeat the test in the future based on your risk, and which factors can be modified.
In either case, quitting smoking and controlling blood pressure reduce factors that contribute to aneurysm formation and rupture. These steps are up to you and are worthwhile whether or not you get tested.
Frequently asked questions
Should my children get screened too?
It depends on the same criteria: how many first-degree relatives have had an aneurysm and whether there is an associated inherited condition. There is no universal recommendation for the children of someone with an aneurysm; it’s a good idea to discuss this with a specialist and provide your complete family tree.
Is there a genetic test for brain aneurysms?
Not routinely for a common aneurysm. Genetic testing may be considered when an associated inherited condition is suspected, such as polycystic kidney disease or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and is ordered by a specialist based on clinical criteria.
What can I do while deciding whether to get screened?
Reduce the risk factors you can control: don’t smoke, control your blood pressure, and avoid excessive alcohol use and illicit drugs. Also, gather your family’s medical information to make your appointment more useful.
What should I ask the specialist?
If you have a sudden, extremely severe headache, sudden weakness, or difficulty speaking, call 911 first. For your appointment, bring your family history in writing and consider asking:
- •Given my medical history, should I have a screening test, and if so, which one?
- •If the test is normal, should I have it repeated, and when?
- •Are there any signs in my family that might suggest an associated hereditary condition?
For non-urgent questions or to request an individual assessment, you can contact the office.
Informational notice: This content is for informational purposes and does not replace a medical consultation or constitute a diagnosis.
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