Dont get check ups: Back in 1987 i suffered a brain... - Headway

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Dont get check ups

spideyman profile image
13 Replies

Back in 1987 i suffered a brain haemorrhage and 2 smaller ones after.

I was born with them and the cluster was removed.

Now over 4 yrs ago id had high blood pressure and this had caused an aneurysm to for that was treated with injecting it with a glue.

I NEVER have check ups now. Is this right?

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spideyman profile image
spideyman
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13 Replies
Kirk5w7 profile image
Kirk5w7

So many people live unknowingly with aneurysms, it just would not be cost effective for the nhs to constantly screen for them.

There is not the money available to treat people unless or until it becomes life threatening.

Fortunately one is more likely to die from other causes than the aneurysm so the best thing to do is to get on and enjoy life while you can xxxx

Janet

spideyman profile image
spideyman in reply to Kirk5w7

This isn’t what I asked. All the aneurysms has been removed previously with proton therapy. The aneurysm 4 yrs ago was due to high blood pressure. This was blocked and I was prescribed tablets for blood pressure. Is it cos they now have no need to check me or is it financial reasons for them?

Kirk5w7 profile image
Kirk5w7 in reply to spideyman

Sorry spidey my misunderstanding, there’s probably no need for check ups for you but if you feel you would rest easier by having a check up ask your GP for a referral.

It’s better to have peace of mind x

Janet xx

tillymint16 profile image
tillymint16 in reply to spideyman

Hi Spideyman

I have annual MRI as I have 4 anerysms that are being monitored. They are happy to MRI like this as I have Polycystic kidney disease which is known to cause anerysms. There are also a few other conditions which cause them to develop. But if they are just random anerysms and have been dealt with already they probably consider that the matter sorted out and signed you off but you can always have BP checks as medication does require to be changed and this is so important to be kept low when you’ve got/ had anerysms.

Hope this helps

Regards Andrea

spideyman profile image
spideyman in reply to tillymint16

Yes you are right as I’ve had bp checks

Woo777 profile image
Woo777

Do you have blood pressure checks every 6 months with your GP ?

spideyman profile image
spideyman in reply to Woo777

Yes I do. I’ve also bought my own monitor

malalatete profile image
malalatete

I don't know that there is an active screening programme within the NHS for people who might be at risk of developing aneurysms because of pre-existing conditions, which is what I think you are getting at, Spidey.

Given the limited follow up for those of us that live with aneurysms they already know are there (my neuroangio scans are to be done every 2 years - I haven't reached my first post-op bi-anniversary yet) I think it is unlikely.

As Janet says, you could always ask for an MRI to rule it out but I'd be prepared for being told that you were no more at risk than anyone else and your contributory blood pressure condition was now under control with meds etc.

It is a combination of thinking it is not a high risk (because the pre-existing annie was treated and is now gone and the blood pressure is controlled by drugs) and there not being the resources to screen everyone for this.

spideyman profile image
spideyman in reply to malalatete

I can never have an MRI scan as I have a clip in the brain that might be magnetic

malalatete profile image
malalatete in reply to spideyman

The scanners can be set/ different scanners are set up with different levels of magnetism. So I can't be scanned in all machines as I have a titanium/platinum alloy flow diverter device in the main brain artery. But with some machines it is ok.

Kavib profile image
Kavib

You should get check ups at least once a year.

spideyman profile image
spideyman in reply to Kavib

I thought i should have a check up but i had no remaining aneurysms and my blood pressure has remained stable then i guess they feel theres no need

sealiphone profile image
sealiphone

In my experience the Neurologists, in the NHS, are very gifted people who's knowledge of the physical aspects of the brain, are as good as anywhere in the world.

My AVM couldn't be glued but I did have Gamma ray treatment, I received regular check ups until the all clear was given, that was over 10 years ago and since then I have never had a check up or seen a Neurologist.

However I have sen Neuropsychologist who deals with cognitive symptoms rather than the purely physical.

Have a word with your GP, as they should have reports from your Neurologist and they may be able to put your mind at rest.

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