Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Overview

A subarachnoid hemorrhage is a type of bleeding that occurs in the space between the brain and the surrounding membrane (subarachnoid space). This bleeding can be caused by various factors, including an irregular bulge in a blood vessel (aneurysm), trauma, a tangle of blood vessels in the brain (arteriovenous malformation), or other blood vessel or health problems. The primary symptom of a subarachnoid hemorrhage is a sudden, severe headache, which can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, problems with vision, and brief loss of consciousness.

Types of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

There are several types of subarachnoid hemorrhages, including:

1. Spontaneous Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: This type of bleeding occurs when an aneurysm ruptures without any prior warning signs.
2. Traumatic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: This type of bleeding occurs when trauma to the head or neck causes bleeding in the subarachnoid space.
3. Ruptured Aneurysm: This type of bleeding occurs when an aneurysm ruptures and bleeds into the subarachnoid space.

Causes of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

The causes of a subarachnoid hemorrhage can vary depending on the type of bleeding. Some common causes include:

1. Aneurysm: An aneurysm is an irregular bulge in a blood vessel that can rupture and cause bleeding.
2. Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM): AVM is a tangle of blood vessels in the brain that can rupture and cause bleeding.
3. Trauma: Trauma to the head or neck can cause bleeding in the subarachnoid space.
4. Other Blood Vessel or Health Problems: Other blood vessel or health problems, such as hypertension, vasculitis, or Moyamoya disease, can also cause bleeding in the subarachnoid space.

Risk Factors of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

The following factors can increase the risk of developing a subarachnoid hemorrhage:

1. Family History: Having a family history of aneurysms or AVMs
2. Hypertension: Having high blood pressure
3. Age: Being older than 50 years
4. Smoking: Smoking
5. Physical Activity: Engaging in physical activity that can cause trauma to the head or neck.

Symptoms of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Preventions of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

There is no known way to prevent a subarachnoid hemorrhage from occurring, but there are several steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing this condition. Some common prevention strategies include:

1. Maintaining Good Blood Pressure: Maintaining good blood pressure through diet and exercise.
2. Avoiding Smoking: Avoiding smoking.
3. Wearing Proper Safety Equipment: Wearing proper safety equipment when engaging in physical activity.

Diagnosis of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Diagnosing a subarachnoid hemorrhage typically involves a combination of medical imaging tests, such as computed tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, as well as physical examination and medical history.

Treatment for Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Treatment for a subarachnoid hemorrhage typically involves surgery to repair any damaged blood vessels or aneurysms.

When to seek medical attention ?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately:

1. Sudden, Severe Headache
2. Nausea
3. Vomiting
4. Stiff Neck
5. Problems with Vision
6. Brief Loss of Consciousness.