How Often One Should Test For A Brain Aneurysm?

Posted on Fri, 9 Dec 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 9 Dec 2016 Answered on

Thu, 29 Dec 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : how often would someone needs testing for a brain aneurysm? my sis just had one and I'm really worried since I suffer with headaches. but I did have a MRA about a year ago

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
If negative MRA, you shouldn't worry about.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

If the MRA from one year ago you refer didn't show any aneurysm, you shouldn't worry about getting checked again for several years.

If there was any aneurysm in MRA, six months follow up with imaging is necessary for 2 years and after that yearly check up, together with blood pressure monitoring.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Kind regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (31 minutes later)

so just to be sure your saying that I shouldn't be worried even though the test was a year ago? even should I request a new test even though that one was negative

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (18 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No need for other tests right now.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.

Yes, you can be sure, if the MRA from one year ago resulted negative, you shouldn't worry about aneurysms for several years.

It is not necessary to ask for another examination now.

Hope I helped you.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar