Bleeding into the cerebrospinal fluid of the subarachnoid space.
A haemorrhage into the subarachnoid space in the brain. It is usually the result of rupture of an aneurysm on the circle of willis. Head injury or intense physical exercise occasionally cause subarachnoid haemorrhage; the diagnosis is confirmed by CT scan or by identifying blood in the cerebrospinal fluid at lumbar puncture. Cerebral angiography will usually pinpoint the site of bleeding. Treatment includes life-support measures and procedures to reduce blood pressure; sometimes surgery is carried out, but not usually until several weeks after the acute episode.
A form of brain hemorrhage occurs when a blood vessel bursts, leading to the leakage of blood into the region between the middle and inner meninges, which are the membranes encasing the brain. Subarachnoid hemorrhage is more frequently seen in individuals aged between 35 and 60. While bleeding typically happens without apparent cause, it can also be triggered by strenuous physical activity. The primary origin of the bleeding is often a ruptured berry aneurysm, which is a weakened, enlarged portion of an artery wall.
An episode might result in a loss of consciousness, occasionally preceded by an abrupt, intense headache at the rear of the head. Should the individual stay conscious, symptoms such as photophobia (heightened sensitivity to light), drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, and a stiff neck might manifest. Both conscious and unconscious patients can recuperate; however, it’s frequent to experience subsequent episodes, which can unfortunately be lethal.
Subarachnoid hemorrhage is typically diagnosed through CT scanning and angiography. Treatment involves employing life-support measures and regulating blood pressure to avert future incidents. Surgical intervention is usually applied for addressing burst or leaking aneurysms. Among those who manage to survive for a month, around ninety percent endure for at least a year. Among these individuals, some achieve full recovery, while others might face lasting effects like paralysis.