Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Abstract

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a neurological emergency with high risk of neurological decline and death. Although the presentation of a thunderclap headache or the worst headache of a patient's life easily triggers the evaluation for SAH, subtle presentations are still missed. The gold standard for diagnostic evaluation of SAH remains noncontrast head computed tomography (CT) followed by lumbar puncture if the CT is negative for SAH. Management of patients with SAH follows standard resuscitation of critically ill patients with the emphasis on reducing risks of rebleeding and avoiding secondary brain injuries.

Keywords: Aneurysm; CT; Cerebral vasospasm; Clinical decision rules; Delayed cerebral ischemia; Grading scales; Lumbar puncture; Subarachnoid hemorrhage.