What is Subarachnoid Brain Hemorrhage?
A Subarachnoid Brain Hemorrhage is a condition where there is bleeding into the subarachnoid space, which is the area between the arachnoid membrane and pia mater around the brain. The most common cause for this is a head injury. It may also occur spontaneously due to a ruptured cerebral aneurysm.
Causes of Subarachnoid Brain Hemorrhage
Subarachnoid Brain Hemorrhage can occur due to direct impact to the head resulting in a head injury such as getting hit on the head by a hard object, car accidents or falling and landing on the head. It can occur spontaneously due to a ruptured cerebral aneurysm. This occurs in individuals who have high blood pressure and are smokers between the ages of 20 to 60. Women are slightly more affected than men.
Symptoms of Subarachnoid Brain Hemorrhage
- Severe headache usually present at the back of the head.
- Confusion.
- Dizziness.
- Irritability.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Change in consciousness.
- Sensitivity to bright lights.
- Alteration in breathing and pulse rates.
- Seizures.
- Loss of consciousness.
Treatment of Subarachnoid Brain Hemorrhage
- Immediate medical attention should be sought.
- CT Scan, MRI scan or angiography helps in confirming a hematoma.
- Usually, surgery is required.
- The aim of surgery is to remove the blood/hematoma and decrease the pressure on the brain.
- If the cause of bleeding is ruptured aneurysm, then surgery is done to repair the aneurysm and drain the blood.
- After the surgery, the patient is closely monitored for any change in his/her condition which may indicate additional bleeding or brain injury.