Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Definition
Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is bleeding that occurs in the area that lies between the brain and the lining covering the brain, called the subarachnoid space. In this space, there is cerebrospinal fluid or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) which protects the brain from injury.
Bleeding in the SAH area can result in coma, paralysis or even death. This bleeding usually occurs quickly and is often caused by head trauma.
Saving the lives of sufferers of SAH depends on the speed of medical action. Although it is a fatal event, cases of SAH are rare.
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Symptom
The main symptom of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a sudden severe headache that feels stronger at the base of the head. Sufferers usually refer to it as the most severe headache they have ever experienced. Some sufferers feel a bursting or popping sensation before bleeding occurs.
Other symptoms that sufferers can also experience include the following complaints:
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Tingling all over the body
- seizures
- Confusion
- Easy to get angry
- Sensitive to light
- Decreased visual acuity
- Double vision
- Nauseous
- Vomit
- Loss of vigilance
- Loss of consciousness
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Reason
The most common cause of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is head injury. In addition, there is also a spontaneous cause that also often occurs, namely a brain aneurysm. The walls of the blood vessels in an aneurysm are weak so they can burst at any time. Aneurysmal bleeding is common in women, smokers, and those with high blood pressure.
Apart from head injuries and brain aneurysms, subarachnoid hemorrhage can also occur for other reasons. Some other causes of this bleeding can be arteriovenous malformations (AVM), bleeding disorders, and use of blood-thinning medications.
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Diagnosis
The doctor will diagnose subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) through a physical examination and will usually find neck stiffness and visual disturbances. The main characteristic symptom is sudden and severe headache, which may also suggest SAH.
Other investigations such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computerized tomography (CT scan) are performed to help confirm SAH. Other examinations such as brain angiography using X-rays and contrast, and transcranial ultrasound are performed to check blood circulation in the brain. Lumbar function examination is also usually done to check for the presence of red blood cells in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Treatment
To treat subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), appropriate and fast action is needed to save the lives of sufferers and prevent brain damage. Bleeding will accumulate so that the pressure on the brain increases, which can then lead to coma and more severe brain damage. This pressure must be treated with drugs or by removing cero-spinal fluid (CSF).
Other causes of bleeding, such as aneurysms, must also be treated immediately so as not to cause new bleeding. An aneurysm usually needs to be repaired surgically.
If SAH does not cause loss of consciousness, the patient will be required to rest completely. Doing activities such as bending can increase the pressure on the brain. Medicines also need to be given. For example blood pressure drugs, drugs that prevent spasm of blood vessels such as nimodipine, and pain medications for headaches.
If SAH causes a decrease in consciousness or coma, the patient certainly needs life support devices such as a ventilator or breathing apparatus, airway protection, and placing a tube in the brain to reduce brain pressure.
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Prevention
The only way to prevent subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is to look for possible brain problems such as aneurysms. Early detection of aneurysms and treatment of aneurysms can prevent SAH.