craigwhite

Hi there, I had my CT a few weeks back now, and everything was normal. I've been asked to come back in 5 years time for another check, so it's quite a relief. I know that the risk is still there, however I also know that my risk wasn't all that high compared to someone without family history. I think I can count myself very lucky to be clear for now and know I'll be scanned again in the future. Thanks to you all for your words of wisdom, it is much appreciated. Regards, Craig

My consultant said that an intra-cranial bleed (of most types not caused by trauma) are completely asymptomatic. And having a history (as Momo said) of 2+ blood relatives does put you at a higher risk of suffering a bleed, so the reason I chose to be scanned is that I don't want to put my wife and son through a shock event like an SAH which I went through with my father. I would say the likely risk of complications from treating an un-ruptured aneurysm are less than the risk of suffering a bleed from a non-treated un-ruptured anuerysm, so it's the context. I know that anuersyms can form at any time, but to know that the risk is there, and not scan because it might not be there but then occur in two years time is not an option for me. The reverse is true for me, what if I scan and something IS there. That way, I can decide what to do about it and take it out of fate's hands to some degree. And lastly, I don't think the NHS would offer such a costly investigation without good reason, so that's my reasons for going ahead with it.

Hi Karen, Hi Louise, Thanks for your replies, I've read a few posts from yourselves and others on the site, and it's great seeing all the support the forums provide. I felt a bit odd posting since I've not actually suffered from an SAH, but I'm curious about the scan and the many "what if's.." My father passed away when I was 13, then my aunt (my fathers sister) passed away two years later. So after becoming a father myself, I decided to put off what I intended to do some time ago and see a Dr. I had read some time ago about my increased risk, but become more aware of it recently. I'm 31, and my Consultant today said that if they scan and find nothing, the onus is on me to be scanned again in 5 years time. He was quite confident that this would be the case for me with my family history. Also if there was anything abnormal they would coil. After I posted, I realised that it is those people who have had an SAH who in some cases need to surrender their licence, so I think this would not apply to me. I do have migraines, but no other symptoms that my consultant thought would relate to anything else. Thanks again, I'll post again with the outcome of my scan.

Hi, This morning I have been reffered for a CT and CT Angiogram as my father and his sister died from an SAH. I have always been concerned about this as I have read the NHS advice on scanning, and two or more blood relatives having this puts me at greater risk of having one. Is anyone in the same situation? What if they scan and find nothing? Do I continue to be scanned every 5 years or so? Also, what if the scan does uncover something? What is the experience of those people who have been coiled? What are the implications of having a coil put in, does this mean you are not allowed to drive in the UK? I drive for my job and this would have a major impact on me. I did notice that some people are talking about MRI scans on these pages, what are the benefits / risks of each scan? Any advice most appreciated. Craig.