Hemorrhage in the subarachnoid space: Symptoms, origins, and diagnostic methods
Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a severe and potentially life-threatening medical emergency that involves bleeding into the space surrounding the brain. Early recognition and immediate action are crucial in improving the chances of recovery.
Symptoms of SAH often include a sudden, severe headache (often described as the worst headache of one's life), nausea, vomiting, neck stiffness, altered consciousness, seizures, or loss of consciousness. Other symptoms may include stiff neck, slurred speech, depression, confusion, delirium, apathy, impaired consciousness, seizures, intraocular hemorrhage, occasional difficulty lifting an eyelid, sharp rise in blood pressure, and more.
In the event of suspected SAH, prompt action is essential. Here are the recommended first aid steps:
1. Call Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Immediately: If you suspect someone is experiencing a subarachnoid hemorrhage, call for emergency help right away. SAH requires urgent hospital care for diagnosis and treatment.
2. Keep the Person Calm and Still: Try to keep the person calm, and have them lie down with their head slightly elevated (if possible) to reduce intracranial pressure. Avoid any unnecessary movement or strain.
3. Monitor Breathing and Circulation: Check for breathing and a pulse. If the person is unresponsive, not breathing normally, or has no pulse, begin CPR as trained, continuing until help arrives.
4. Do Not Give Food or Drink: Refrain from giving the person anything to eat or drink, as they may require surgery and need to have an empty stomach.
5. Keep the Person Warm and Comfortable: Cover them with a blanket if needed to keep them warm, but do not overheat. Loosen tight clothing around the neck and chest.
6. Reassure and Stay with the Person: Reassure the person and stay with them until emergency responders arrive. Your presence and calm demeanor can help reduce anxiety.
Even if symptoms seem to resolve or the person feels better briefly, subarachnoid hemorrhage can quickly worsen and requires immediate medical attention.
In treating SAH, doctors may use various methods such as Triple H Therapy (raising blood pressure, pumping fluids into the blood, and transfusing blood and plasma into the body), neurosurgical clipping, endovascular coiling, or drugs like nimodipine to prevent blood vessels from going into spasm.
Complications of SAH can include hydrocephalus, where too much cerebrospinal fluid builds up in the ventricles of the brain, causing pressure and potential damage. Doctors may treat hydrocephalus by draining fluid with a tube or shunt placed into the brain.
Cerebral vasospasm, a dangerous complication of SAH, occurs when a blood vessel near an aneurysm goes into spasm, making a bleed worse.
While the long-term outcomes of a subarachnoid hemorrhage depend on the complications that may arise, around one-third of survivors have cognitive complications, and two-thirds have reduced life quality.
Understanding the symptoms and first aid steps for subarachnoid hemorrhage can save lives. If you suspect someone is experiencing SAH, do not delay seeking medical help.
References: [1] National Health Service (NHS). (2021). Subarachnoid haemorrhage. Retrieved from [2] American Stroke Association. (2021). Subarachnoid Hemorrhage. Retrieved from
- A brain aneurysm, a type of neurological disorder, can lead to a severe medical emergency known as subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), which involves bleeding around the brain, underscoring the importance of health and wellness research in understanding and treating such medical conditions.
- Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is associated with several complications such as hydrocephalus and cerebral vasospasm, which are potentially serious neurological disorders that often require immediate medical intervention, highlighting the invaluable role of science in advancing the diagnosis and treatment of such medical-conditions.
