Asubarachnoid hemorrhage(SAH) is bleeding in the area surrounding thebraincalled the subarachnoid space.
A SAH is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical care.
This article provides an overview of subarachnoid hemorrhages, including symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment.
Andriy Onufriyenko / Getty Images
A subarachnoid hemorrhage can also result from other sources, such as a traumatic head injury.
A fall or a motor vehicle accident may lead to a subarachnoid hemorrhage.
If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms, call 911 immediately.
Avoid Substances
Avoiding tobacco and alcohol after a stroke can help prevent future strokes from occurring.
Summary
A subarachnoid hemorrhage is bleeding in the subarachnoid space of the brain.
The bleeding leads to pressure on the brain, which can cause severe health issues or brain damage.
Most subarachnoid hemorrhages result from a blood vessel rupture, such as ananeurysm.
Diagnosis requires diagnostic imaging and treatment involves stopping the bleeding as soon as possible through a surgical intervention.
A Word From Verywell
Having a subarachnoid hemorrhage is a frightening experience for everyone involved.
Early diagnosis and treatment are key to improving prognosis.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Rincon F, Rossenwasser RH, Dumont A.The epidemiology of admissions of nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage in the United States.Neurosurgery.
2013;73(2):217-222. doi:10.1227/01.neu.0000430290.93304.33
Martin CO, Rymer MM.Hemorrhagic stroke: aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.Mo Med.
2011;108(2):124-127.
Cleveland Clinic.Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).
Edlow JA, Fisher J.Diagnosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage: time to change the guidelines?Stroke.
2012;43(8):2031-2032. doi:10.1161/STROKEAHA.112.664011
