Thread on Subarachnoid Hemorrhages

Until very recently, having a Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH) was practically a sentence to severe mental disability, and even death. Now, due to the incredible advances of modern medicine, 60% of patients are expected to make a complete recovery.

A Subarachnoid Hemorrhage is a type of stroke that typically results from bleeding into the subarachnoid space, which is the area between the brain and the skull. This space is filled with cerebrospinal fluid, which acts as a cushion for the brain.

When blood is released from an artery (unintentionally) into the subarachnoid space, it builds pressure on the brain, resulting in the damage of brain cells. The blood released from it’s artery leaves it deprived of oxygenated blood, and results in a stroke.

This condition is often the result of a cerebral aneurysm, where high pressure blood is released from a bulge in the walls of an artery.

Other causes include traumatic injury to the head or Arteriovenous Malformation (Abnormal entanglement of blood vessels in the brain). Left untreated a Subarachnoid Hemorrhage can lead to paralysis, a coma, and even death!

Some of the symptoms of a Subarachnoid Hemorrhage include:
-Blurred or double vision
-Severe headaches (Many patients who experience strokes describe it as “The worst headache of my live”)
-Nausea
-Sensitivity to light
-Seizures
-Confusion

Treatment:
There are many different ways that a Subarachnoid Hemorrhage can be treated. In the case that it’s the result of an aneurysm releasing blood into the subarachnoid space, a craniotomy can be performed to close the aneurysm.

Endovascular coiling is another surgical technique used when treating SAH. Endovascular coiling is a surgical procedure that results in the clotting of an aneurysm, thus preventing more blood from flowing.

END OF THREAD

Likes and Retweets would be Appreciated!