Signs of Subarachnoid hemorrhage (Brain bleeding)

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (Brain Bleeding)

Description

The subarachnoid space covers the brain and spinal cord. A subarchnoid hemorrhage (SAH) occurs when there is bleeding into this space and can be life threatening. The most common cause of bleeding is a rupture of a focal area of swelling of an artery in the brain, an aneurysm. The aneurysms can be congenital and not cause any symptoms until they bleed. Aneurysms can also be familial. Head trauma and an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) can also cause a SAH. An AVM is an abnormal collection of arteries and veins.

Symptoms

Sudden onset of severe headache, a popping or snapping sensation is sometimes described, the headache is described as the worst of one's life, vomiting, fainting, weakness, confusion, seizure, coma.

Tests

A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests to establish the diagnosis and determine the cause will be done. If the initial head CT is normal a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) may be performed to rule out a small bleed.

Standard Workup

CBC
Chem 12
X-Ray
EKG
CT Scan
MRI

Treatment

The goals of therapy are repair the cause of bleeding, relieve symptoms, and prevent complications. Specific treatments depend on the cause of the bleeding. For aneurysms surgical clipping and endovascular clotting off of the aneurysm are the most common procedures. Any associated bleeding abnormalities will be reversed as well as blood pressure control.