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Subarachnoid hemorrhage is the most critical subtype of strokes, which is caused by hemorrhage into the area surrounding the brain. The bleeding into the (subarachnoid space) between meninges layers (pia mater and arachnoid mater) could happen because of and aneurysm rupture or skull injury. One-third of the injured patient do not survive. The main indicators of a subarachnoid stroke are sudden severe headache, vomiting, Neck stiffness, double vision, and seizures. Subarachnoid stroke may affect any age group and more common in women than men.
The causes?
Subarachnoid hemorrhage is mostly caused by an irregularity of the arteries at the base of the brain. These abnormalities of the vessels lead to a swelling and rupture of the artery. As a result, the tissue that covers the brain and eventually the brain tissue becomes irritated and damaged. This leads to creating a stroke and preventing oxygen supply to the brain tissue. Another cause of subarachnoid hemorrhage is traumatic skull injury, which can cause vessels rupture and hemorrhage.
Diagnosis and treatment:
Subarachnoid hemorrhage symptoms and signs help doctors quickly start the diagnostic tests, which help to determine the location of the hemorrhage such as CT, lumbar puncture, angiogram, and MRI. The treatment for subarachnoid stroke (medication or surgery) depends on the cause of hemorrhage and the location of the tissue damaged.
Controlling and prevention:
Many people who have a subarachnoid stroke die before they get treatment in the hospital. In addition, people who get treatment and survive for 6 months after getting the injury, may have a risk to get another hemorrhage. Therefore, immediately call for emergency if you see anyone presenting with the the symptoms of stroke. A healthy lifestyle and regular medical check controlling blood pressure may reduce the risk of subarachnoid stroke.
References:
1. https://www.mayfieldclinic.com/PE-sah.HTM
2. https://www.msdmanuals.com/home/brain,-spinal-cord,-and-nerve-disorders/stroke-cva/subarachnoid-hemorrhage
3. http://www.strokecenter.org/patients/about-stroke/subarachnoid-hemorrhage/
Written by Burhan Fakhurji
