Subarachnoid hemorrhage

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a serious, life-threatening type of stroke caused by bleeding into the space surrounding the brain, known as the subarachnoid space. This condition requires immediate medical attention and treatment to prevent severe disability or death.

Subarachnoid hemorrhage CT

Clinical Presentation

Symptoms of a subarachnoid hemorrhage can include a sudden severe headache (often described as "the worst headache of my life"), vomiting, loss of consciousness, and neurological symptoms such as blurred or double vision, difficulty speaking, and weakness or numbness on one side of the body.

Subarachnoid haemorrhage

Etiology

The most common cause of a subarachnoid hemorrhage is a ruptured aneurysm, a weakened and bulging section of a blood vessel. Other causes can include arteriovenous malformation (AVM), traumatic brain injury, or certain blood clotting disorders.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis involves a series of tests to detect blood in the subarachnoid space and to identify the source of the bleeding. These tests can include a computed tomography (CT) scan, lumbar puncture (also known as a spinal tap), and cerebral angiogram.

Treatment

Treatment aims to stop the bleeding, prevent vasospasm (a complication characterized by narrowing of the blood vessels), and minimize brain damage. This typically involves surgery to repair the aneurysm, medications to control symptoms and prevent complications, and rehabilitative therapy to assist in recovery.

Prognosis

Prognosis following a subarachnoid hemorrhage depends on a number of factors including the patient's age, general health, and the severity of the hemorrhage. Despite improvements in medical and surgical treatment, SAH remains a condition with high mortality and morbidity.

Prevention

Prevention of SAH is primarily focused on controlling risk factors for aneurysm formation and rupture, such as hypertension and smoking. In some cases, screening and preventive treatment may be recommended for individuals with a family history of aneurysmal SAH.

See Also

• Aneurysm
• Stroke
• Cerebrovascular Diseases
• Neurosurgery

References

Subarachnoid hemorrhage Resources
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