Does subarachnoid hemorrhage require surgery?

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on September 09, 2024
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Subarachnoid hemorrhage is a rather dangerous disease with very high mortality and disability rates. It mainly manifests as sudden severe headaches, nausea, and vomiting, and complications such as bleeding, cerebral vasospasm, and electrolyte disorders can occur. The most common cause of subarachnoid hemorrhage is due to the rupture of an aneurysm. Therefore, it is generally advocated that patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage undergo surgery as soon as possible. The surgical method mainly involves local anesthesia, and a complete cerebral angiography is performed to check for the presence of an aneurysm. If an aneurysm is present, an interventional embolization can be performed, which causes less trauma and generally has a better prognosis. If there is a large amount of bleeding and the patient's life is in danger, a craniotomy may also be necessary. Thus, patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage need to undergo surgical treatment.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
1min 13sec home-news-image

What is good to eat for subarachnoid hemorrhage?

Subarachnoid hemorrhage is most commonly caused by an aneurysm. Once an aneurysm ruptures, it can lead to blood leaking into the subarachnoid space, causing severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, and other clinical symptoms. The onset is very sudden and the headaches can be extremely intense. It is crucial to treat aggressively and clamp the aneurysm as soon as possible. The diet for patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage should include: First, it is essential to take anti-vasospasm medications, as subarachnoid hemorrhage can easily lead to arterial spasms. Calcium channel blockers should be used to prevent arterial spasms to avoid severe complications. Second, consume foods that aid in bowel movements, such as bananas, apples, and oranges. It is vital for patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage to maintain regular bowel movements, and these foods can help. Third, eat high-quality proteins to strengthen the body and prevent complications. This can include fish, lean meats, beef, and drinking milk.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Subarachnoid hemorrhage: how to treat?

Subarachnoid hemorrhage, the most common cause of which is due to the rupture of an aneurysm. The rupture of an intracranial aneurysm leads to blood entering the subarachnoid space, causing corresponding clinical symptoms. Patients may experience severe headaches, nausea and vomiting, accompanied by significant restlessness, and may also develop complications such as cerebral vasospasm, hydrocephalus, which can be life-threatening. The treatment for subarachnoid hemorrhage mainly includes: First, it is recommended to promptly complete a full cerebral angiography. If an aneurysm is found, interventional embolization of the aneurysm may be administered. Second, the patient should be advised to rest in bed and maintain emotional stability. Some sedative medications should be given to the patient. Additionally, calcium channel blockers should be administered to prevent cerebral vasospasm. Furthermore, electrolyte disturbances must be corrected to prevent severe complications such as hydrocephalus.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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The difference between cerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage

There is a significant difference between cerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage. For subarachnoid hemorrhage, the specific causes are mainly divided into two types. The first cause is due to trauma, violent strikes, car accidents, or falls from heights, leading to localized vascular rupture and extensive subarachnoid hemorrhage. It generally presents as obvious high-density shadows in the ventricular system or cisterns. The occurrence of subarachnoid hemorrhage often leads to symptoms such as headache, dizziness, neck stiffness, and positive meningeal irritation signs. The other situation is spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage, most often due to intracranial aneurysms or arteriovenous malformations. Cerebral hemorrhage is primarily due to hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage, which is more likely to occur, mostly seen in the bilateral basal ganglia, presenting as localized high-density shadows.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Complications of subarachnoid hemorrhage

Subarachnoid hemorrhage is a relatively serious condition. Most patients suffer from this due to the rupture of an aneurysm, while others may have arteriovenous malformations. This disease is associated with complications, with common ones including the following. First, there are acute complications of subarachnoid hemorrhage. Patients usually experience severe pain and vomiting again after their condition stabilizes, and the mortality rate significantly increases. The second complication is cerebral vasospasm, which typically peaks between three days and two weeks. Cerebral vasospasm can easily lead to vascular occlusion and the subsequent formation of cerebral thrombosis. The third type includes acute or subacute hydrocephalus. Additionally, seizures and electrolyte disorders may also occur as complications.

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Written by Wei Shi Liang
Intensive Care Unit
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How is subarachnoid hemorrhage treated?

The treatment of subarachnoid hemorrhage primarily aims to prevent rebleeding, vasospasm, hydrocephalus, and other complications, reducing mortality and disability rates. During the acute phase, keep the patient's head in a raised position, lying on their side, and provide dehydration, sedation, and pain relief; absolute bed rest; monitor blood pressure; and when bleeding is significant, undertake ventricular puncture for drainage. Patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage should generally be admitted to the ICU, monitoring vital signs and changes in neurological signs, ensuring airway patency, maintaining stable respiratory and circulatory functions, resting quietly, avoiding emotional agitation, ensuring smooth bowel movements, and for patients with increased intracranial pressure, appropriately restricting fluid intake.