Brain Aneurysms: Health Story

Aired on Superstation WGN
Saturday, July 16 and October 29, 2005
Show 218

Kelly Willert's 48-year-old sister, Diane, went into a coma from a brain aneurysm, but survived. Kelly's own two brain aneurysms were detected early and treated. She convinced six of her family members to participate in the Familial Intracranial Aneurysm or FIA study.

"An aneurysm can be thought of as a weakness or blister on an artery in the brain. Most cases go unnoticed, but 15 percent of those with aneurysms die or are left disabled. The FIA study is a genetic survey to see who is at risk, and to show that aneurysms are genetic and learn which genes are responsible," says Dr. H. Hunt Batjer, pioneering physician and Chief of Neurological Surgery at Northwestern Memorial.

"The MRA or magnetic resonance angiogram is a vital part of the study because it can detail information on vascular anatomy," says Todd Parrish, Director of the Center for Advanced MRI at Northwestern.

Dr. Eric Russell, Chairman of the Department of Radiology at Northwestern, says, "An angiogram is a snapshot of blood flow in the brain which can let us see if there is a disposal toward aneurysms." "I was thrilled to be part of this study. It can benefit future generations," says Kelly.