What causes subarachnoid bleeding?

Hear this out loudPauseSubarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a type of stroke. Head trauma is the most common cause. In patients without head trauma, SAH is most commonly caused by a brain aneurysm. A brain aneurysm is a ballooning of an artery in the brain that can rupture and bleed into the space between the brain and the skull.

What is the difference between a subarachnoid hemorrhage and a stroke?

Hear this out loudPauseA subarachnoid hemorrhage may occur as a complication of a type of stroke called a hemorrhagic stroke, or bleeding inside the brain. This is different from an ischemic stroke, which is caused by a blood clot.

Where does blood go in a subarachnoid hemorrhage?

Subarachnoid hemorrhage — Bleeding from a damaged blood vessel causes blood to accumulate at the surface of the brain. Blood fills a portion of the space between the brain and the skull, and it mixes with the cerebrospinal fluid that cushions the brain and spinal cord.

Can a cerebral vasospasm cause a subarachnoid hemorrhage?

Dissection of the vertebral artery, usually caused by trauma, can lead to subarachnoid hemorrhage if the dissection involves the part of the vessel inside the skull. Cerebral vasospasm is one of the complications caused by subarachnoid haemorrhage.

What should I do if I have a subarachnoid hemorrhage?

Occasionally a lumbar puncture is also required. After confirmation further tests are usually performed to determine the underlying cause. Treatment is by prompt neurosurgery or radiologically guided interventions. Medications such as labetalol may be required to lower the blood pressure until repair can occur.

Can a thunderclap headache cause a subarachnoid hemorrhage?

SAH is a frequent occurrence in traumatic brain injury, and carries a poor prognosis if it is associated with deterioration in the level of consciousness. While thunderclap headache is the characteristic symptom of subarachnoid hemorrhage, less than 10% of those with concerning symptoms have SAH on investigations.