Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
A Subarachnoid Hemorrhage is when there is bleeding into the outer space around the Brain. There is a space between the brain and tissues that cover the brain – this area is called the subarachnoid space.
On the outer portion of the brain area is the pia mater and the tissues is called arachnoid membrane.
This can occur following a hemorrhagic stroke.
Symptoms and complications can occur very quickly and this diagnosis is considered a medical emergency
Occurs in less than 10% of all strokes.
Causes:
– Head trauma
– Brain aneurysm
– Tumors
– Bleeding disorders
– Excessive use of blood thinners (overdose)
– Cocaine abuse
– Unknown
In the elderly, falls can be a large cause of such bleeding in the brain.
Motor Vehicle Accidents (MVA) is another large component of head trauma
Symptoms:
– Headache
– Stiff neck
– Nausea
– Vomiting
– Confusion
– Loss of consciousness
– Changes in blood pressure
– Seizures
– Coma
– Death
Diagnosis
– CT scan of brain is extremely helpful
– Lumbar puncture may be helpful in some cases.
Treatment:
– Emergency room management
– Blood pressure control
– Craniotomy (Cutting a hole in the skull)
– Neurosurgeon