hestermel
06-11-2007, 08:26 AM
I had two annies clipped in 2000 after a hemmorage. I have done great since surgery. I still have two small ones that they are watching. My Dr noticed some funny looking arteries on my carotid. I was told this is Fibromuscular Dysplasia. It is a DNA defect due to a lack of collagin. One normally develops annies in their 40's with FMD. My arteries on a scan look like beads. There are a lot of smaller hospitals which still do not recognize FMD. I had thought that I was a very healthy person before the rupture. I wanted to post so all of you would know that there is a condition that causes brain annies. If you were ever told that you have funny looking arteries then check your medical records for Fibromuscular Dysplasia. There is a vast source of info on the net now. I am very involved with an online support group to educate all Drs about this disorder. We have recently been recognized by the NIH, Stroke Assoc, and NORD. You simply need to have your Dr listen for bruit sounds and question high blood pressure issues under 50. If anyone has a question then ask away. I had a brother die in 1994 with a brain annie. His autopsy never mentioned any beaded arteries so he was never diagnosed. I am the 1st one in my family. Technology is advancing to recognize it now. Our support group is rapidly growing. FMD can pop up in other areas after the carotid/brain so one needs to know if they have it. It can affect the intestines and kidneys.