Familial Intracranial Aneurysm (FIA) Study

What Is the FIA Study?

The Familial Intracranial Aneurysm Study, also known as the FIA study, is a collaborative research effort of neurologists and neurosurgeons throughout the United States , Canada , Australia , and New Zealand . These researchers are studying genetic and other risk factors which may be important in the development of intracranial aneurysms. This study is sponsored by the National Institutes of Health and will involve 475 families with multiple affected family members throughout North America, Australia and New Zealand .

What Are Intracranial Aneurysms?

Intracranial aneurysms are “blisters” which form with in the arteries of the brain. A rupture of an aneurysm may lead to subarachnoid herrorrage. (SAH) Symptoms of SAH include:

• Sudden, severe headache
• Loss of consciousness
• Pain in neck, back, eye or face
• Nausea and vomiting
• Photophobia (sensitivity to light)
• Phonophobia (sensitivity to sound)

The mortality rates of patients suffering from a SAH is 40 – 44%, with many survivors suffering major disability. Most of the deaths from SAH are due to rapid and massive brain injury from the initial bleeding, and is not correctable by medical and surgical interventions. Thus prevention of aneurysm formation is of paramount importance.