Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a type of stroke that occurs when bleeding happens in the space around the brain called the subarachnoid space. This can cause bleeding both in and around the brain.

The bleeding can occur due to a ruptured aneurysm, a bulging, weak area in the wall of an artery, or due to other causes such as injury or infection. SAH is considered to be a relatively uncommon type of stroke when compared to ischemic strokes or hemorrhagic strokes. However, it can still be very dangerous and require urgent medical attention.

What are the symptoms of SAH?

The symptoms of SAH can vary widely and range in severity. Some common symptoms can include:.

Severe headaches, often described as the worst headache of a person’s life
Nausea or vomiting
Sensitivity to light or sound
Neck pain or stiffness
Seizures
Loss of consciousness

If you or someone you know experiences any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention right away.

How is SAH diagnosed?

If a doctor suspects that someone has SAH, they may perform an imaging test such as a CT scan or an MRI to look for bleeding in the brain. They may also perform a spinal tap to test the cerebrospinal fluid for blood cells.

In some cases, an angiography may be done to look for the site of bleeding.

What are the treatment options?

The goal of treatment for SAH is to stop the bleeding and prevent complications such as stroke, seizures, or brain damage. Depending on the cause and severity of the bleeding, treatment options can include:.

Bed rest and monitoring
Medications to help manage symptoms such as pain or seizures
Surgery to repair or clip an aneurysm
Endovascular coiling, a minimally invasive procedure to prevent aneurysm rupture
Rehabilitation to help recover from any brain damage or other complications

The specific treatment plan will depend on the individual case and will be determined by the healthcare team treating the patient.

Who is at risk for SAH?

SAH can occur in anyone at any age, but there are some factors that can increase the risk of developing it. Some of these risk factors include:.

Family history of aneurysms or SAH
Smoking
High blood pressure
Heavy alcohol consumption

It is important to address these risk factors and make lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of developing SAH.

What is the outlook for people with SAH?

The outlook for people with SAH can vary widely depending on the severity of the bleeding and the success of treatment.

Some people may recover fully from SAH with no long-term effects, while others may experience ongoing complications such as seizures, difficulty speaking or moving, or personality changes. It is important for people who have had SAH to work closely with their healthcare team to manage any ongoing symptoms and complications.

Conclusion

Subarachnoid hemorrhage is a type of stroke that can be very dangerous and require urgent medical attention. The symptoms can vary and range in severity, and treatment options will depend on the specific case.

It is important to be aware of the risk factors and seek medical attention right away if you or someone you know experiences any symptoms of SAH.