In most cases, brain aneurysms are not hereditary with only a single case in a family. However, someone with a brain aneurysm MIGHT have other family members who are affected.
- Familial intracranial aneurysms are generally defined as the presence of two or more family members among first- and second-degree relatives with proven aneurysmal SAH (subarachnoid hemorrhage) or incidental aneurysms.
- The incidence of familial aneurysms among SAH patients is 6% to 20%.
- Familial intracranial aneurysm is defined as two or more blood relatives who possess intracranial aneurysms.
- The familial occurrence suggests a genetic component and the possibility of a genetically determined defect of the arterial wall.
- Several studies suggest that individuals with familial intracranial aneurysms are more likely to have multiple aneurysms and that these aneurysms are more likely to rupture at a smaller size than those patients with an isolated aneurysm are.
- Treatment considerations are different for patients with familial aneurysms than for patients with an unruptured isolated aneurysm.
If two or more members of the family are affected with brain aneurysms, then aneurysm screening (with brain MRA or brain CTA) is usually recommended for at least the first-degree relatives over the age of 21 years of age. The standard recommendation is for any individual who has two or more relatives (e.g. mother, father, brother, sister, son, daughter, aunt, uncle, grandparent, cousins) with a brain aneurysm, they should be screened for aneurysms starting in their twenties and then every 5 to 10 years thereafter.
Recommendation above from Christopher S. Ogilvy, MD. Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center 9/21/22.
Watch this informative 35-minute Webinar from the BAF entitled: “I have a family history of intracranial aneurysms: What does this mean for me?”
As part of Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month (September), the goal of the Maine Brain Aneurysm Awareness Committee is to educate the general public about brain aneurysms and the possible signs and treatments to promote earlier diagnosis and treatments.
Learn more about what a brain aneurysm is, diagnosis’, treatments, and general support on our website.