Brain : a journal of neurology
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The incidence of subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) is 6-8 per 100 000 person years, peaking in the sixth decade. SAH, mostly due to rupture of an intracranial aneurysm, accounts for a quarter of cerebrovascular deaths. Aneurysms increase in frequency with age beyond the third decade, are 1.6 times more common in women and are associated with a number of genetic conditions. ⋯ There may be a limited role for investigation of high risk subgroups. Ideally, screening in such subgroups should be tested in a randomized trial. The avoidance of risk factors for aneurysms such as smoking, hypertension and hypercholesterolaemia should be part of the management of at-risk subjects.