Very occasionally an aneurysm or weakness occurs in an artery to the brain. Any prolonged, severe headache should be reported to your doctor. Should this become necessary, it is important to realise that these are effective life sustaining therapies and help people remain well and active. If they are very large, one may need be removed to make space for a transplant. PKD and your family PKD, like many other chronic, progressive diseases can cause concern and stress for the patient and his or her family.
Families are often reluctant to discuss the hereditary aspects of the dlsease.
Discussion about PKD and its impact on the family is not easily faced. Everyone reacts differently to the possibility of inheriting the condition. Some people live in fear and anxiety about it. Others respond by ignoring it and denying that it could happen to them, refusing to talk about or seriously consider it when contemplating marriage and future parenthood. Early diagnosis can mean better treatment especially for hypertension and infections and therefore may slow down kidney failure.