Overview
A subarachnoid hemorrhage is bleeding in the space between the brain and the surrounding membrane (subarachnoid space). The primary symptom is a sudden, severe headache, which may be described as the worst headache ever experienced. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, problems with vision, and brief loss of consciousness. This bleeding typically occurs due to an irregular bulge in a blood vessel (aneurysm) bursting in the brain, or less commonly, as a result of trauma, an arteriovenous malformation, or other blood vessel or health problems. If left untreated, a subarachnoid hemorrhage can lead to permanent brain damage or death.
Understanding the disease
Symptoms
The symptoms of subarachnoid hemorrhage include a sudden, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, problems with vision, brief loss of consciousness, and bleeding in the space between the brain and the surrounding membrane (subarachnoid space).
Risk Factors
Risk factors for developing subarachnoid hemorrhage include:
- Aneurysms: Irregular bulges in blood vessels can burst and cause bleeding.
- Trauma or injury: Trauma to the head, such as from motor vehicle or bicycle accidents, falls, assaults, and sports injuries, can cause bleeding.
- Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs): A tangle of blood vessels in the brain can cause bleeding.
- Blood vessel abnormalities: Other blood vessel or health problems can contribute to bleeding.
- Certain medications: Blood-thinning medications like warfarin and aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding.
Development
Subarachnoid hemorrhage develops when there is bleeding in the space between the brain and the surrounding membrane (subarachnoid space). This bleeding is typically caused by an aneurysm, which is an irregular bulge in a blood vessel that bursts in the brain. Trauma, a tangle of blood vessels in the brain (arteriovenous malformation), or other blood vessel or health problems can also cause bleeding. Subarachnoid hemorrhage can lead to permanent brain damage or death if left untreated.
Assessment and Diagnosis
Triage
When you should see a doctor if subarachnoid hemorrhage is suspected? If you suspect a subarachnoid hemorrhage, it is crucial to seek emergency medical attention immediately. This is because an untreated subarachnoid hemorrhage can lead to permanent brain damage or even death. The symptoms include a sudden, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, problems with vision, and brief loss of consciousness. These symptoms may be indicative of a serious medical condition, so it is important to consult a doctor without delay.
Diagnosis
To diagnose a subarachnoid hemorrhage, a healthcare provider may recommend a CT scan or MRI. The provider might inject a contrast dye for a more detailed view of the blood vessels (CT angiogram or MR angiogram). If the cause isn't clear or doesn't appear on other imaging, cerebral angiography may be recommended. In some cases, if the bleeding doesn't show on the initial CT scan, a lumbar puncture may be performed to check for blood in the cerebrospinal fluid.
Management and Treatment
Home Remedies
It is important to seek medical attention immediately for a suspected subarachnoid hemorrhage, as it is a severe medical condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.