What to do with a headache from subarachnoid hemorrhage?

Written by Li Ai Ping
Neurology
Updated on October 27, 2024
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Subarachnoid hemorrhage, the most typical symptom of which is headache, often manifests as a sudden severe throbbing or bursting pain. The pain may be localized to a specific area of the head, or it may affect the entire head or neck, and it generally persists continuously. If such a headache occurs, one should first rest in bed, avoid emotional excitement and exerting great force, such as coughing, shouting loudly, or straining during bowel movements, etc. If the pain is unbearable, one can ask a doctor for appropriate pain relief medication. However, if the headache suddenly worsens, one should be cautious of the condition deteriorating and should seek medical advice to investigate the cause of the worsening headache. One should not blindly request medication for pain relief, as it may mask the underlying condition.

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Subarachnoid hemorrhage nausea and vomiting how to treat

Patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage experiencing nausea and vomiting can still be treated. Firstly, symptomatic treatment should be conducted, which can include using gastric mucosal protectants and antiemetic medications to effectively alleviate symptoms. Additionally, subarachnoid hemorrhage, nausea, and vomiting are often caused by increased intracranial pressure. In such cases, using mannitol or furosemide to dehydrate can reduce intracranial pressure. Once the intracranial pressure decreases, the symptoms of nausea and vomiting can be greatly improved and alleviated. Of course, some patients may also have complications such as hydrocephalus or intracerebral hematoma. In these cases, surgical interventions like craniotomy for hematoma removal or aneurysm clipping may be necessary, which can gradually relieve and improve the symptoms of nausea and vomiting. Beyond symptomatic treatment, it is also necessary to treat the underlying primary disease, addressing causes such as aneurysms or vascular malformations.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
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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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Subarachnoid hemorrhage clinical manifestations

Patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage typically exhibit persistent, severe headaches accompanied by projectile vomiting. Patients often experience symptoms of clouded consciousness, irritability, and anxiety. The most common cause of subarachnoid hemorrhage is the rupture of cerebral aneurysms, with blood entering the subarachnoid space, stimulating the pia mater and arachnoid membrane, and inducing severe headaches. This also leads to a rapid increase in intracranial pressure, causing projectile vomiting. Additionally, symptoms often include clouded consciousness and restlessness. Treatment requires complete bed rest for four to six weeks, using hemostatic, analgesic, and sedative medications to allow the patient to rest quietly. (Use specific medications only under the guidance of a doctor, and do not self-medicate.)

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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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What to pay attention to during the recovery period of subarachnoid hemorrhage?

Patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage generally have aneurysms or arteriovenous malformations as the cause. After onset, the main symptom is usually headache, with positive meningeal irritation signs found during examination, but no signs of neurological function deficit. Therefore, during the recovery phase, patients generally do not show positive neurological signs and have good limb mobility. It is only necessary to take precautions against the cause of the disease. For instance, if the patient's cerebral aneurysm has not been surgically treated, there could be a risk of rebleeding. Patients should minimize physical activity, rest in bed as much as possible, and avoid aneurysm rupture. Regular blood pressure control is also essential. If the cause has already been addressed, there are not many precautions needed. Additionally, long-term administration of nimodipine is necessary to prevent delayed cerebral vasospasm, generally recommended for a period of four to six months. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor based on specific conditions.)