SAB

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

SAB or Subarachnoid Bleeding is a type of intracranial hemorrhage that occurs within the subarachnoid space, which is the area between the brain and the tissues that cover the brain. This type of bleeding is often caused by a brain aneurysm rupture, but can also be caused by head injury or a brain tumor.

Causes[edit | edit source]

The most common cause of SAB is a ruptured brain aneurysm. Aneurysms are weak spots in the wall of a blood vessel that bulge or balloon out. When an aneurysm in the brain ruptures, blood spills into the subarachnoid space, causing a subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Other causes of SAB include:

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

Symptoms of SAB can vary depending on the severity of the bleed. They may include:

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis of SAB typically involves a CT scan or MRI of the brain. A lumbar puncture (spinal tap) may also be performed to check for blood in the cerebrospinal fluid.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for SAB aims to stop the bleeding, repair the source of the bleed, and relieve symptoms. This may involve:

  • Medications to prevent seizures and relieve pain
  • Surgery to repair an aneurysm or AVM
  • Procedures to drain excess fluid from the brain

Prognosis[edit | edit source]

The prognosis for SAB depends on the extent of the bleed and the patient's overall health. With prompt treatment, many people can recover fully. However, complications such as hydrocephalus or vasospasm can occur.

See also[edit | edit source]

SAB Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD