[Subarachnoid hemorrhage]

Abstract

The rupture of a cerebral aneurysm is the main cause of a spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage. Complications after the initial hemorrhage are recurrent bleeds, hydrocephalus and ischemia. Main symptom of a subarachnoid hemorrhage is the sudden, intense headache, often followed by loss of consciousness. The diagnosis is made by CT. If the CT is negative, lumbar puncture has to be performed, because in 5% of patients the blood may not be seen on the CT. If the diagnosis is confirmed, the patients has to be transferred as an emergency to a neurosurgical center. If his condition is satisfactory, the aim of the treatment is to occlude the ruptured aneurysm by microsurgical technique within the first three days after the hemorrhage. In patients with high surgical risk or bad general condition, the aneurysm can also be treated by the interventional neuroradiologist with endovascular techniques.