How to Recognize the Symptoms of a Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

The subarachnoid hemorrhage is a cerebral hemorrhage that leaks blood into the subarachnoid space, or the fluids of the brain. This is one of the most dangerous ways for the body to bleed. The condition can lead to a stroke and is often fatal. Here's how to recognize the symptoms of this serious condition.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Recognize the Symptoms of an Early Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

1. Expect a sudden, severe headache. This headache, often called a thunderclap headache, is the most severe headache known. Ten percent of all patients who experience a headache of this magnitude will have a subarachnoid hemorrhage.

2. Watch out for vertigo-like symptoms, especially disorientation, nausea and vomiting. Nausea and vomiting may not seem like a very specific symptom, but when nausea and a severe headache are found in the same patient, the chances of a subarachnoid hemorrhage are higher than should be ignored.

3. Determine if the patient suffers from a stiff neck. A stiff neck and a headache are bad news. If the patient suffers both symptoms, rush him to the emergency room immediately.

4. Check out the patient's reaction to different light levels. Patients suffering from a subarachnoid hemorrhage often have a strong dislike for bright lights. Just like the other symptoms of a subarachnoid hemorrhage, this symptom usually comes on suddenly.

Recognize the Symptoms of a Developed Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

5. Test the patient's awareness of her surroundings. If the patient shows an acute loss of understanding, the subarachnoid hemorrhage is in full swing and the chances of survival are low.

6. Recognize the signs of seizures. A subarachnoid hemorrhage-induced stroke will often include seizures. If the patient does have a seizure, the chances of a full recovery are much lower.

7. Monitor the patient's consciousness. The most common symptom of a subarachnoid hemorrhage, after the headache, is a loss of consciousness. In bad cases, a coma is expected.

Tips & Warnings

• Lower your blood pressure and you can lower the chances that you will suffer from a subarachnoid hemorrhage. Eating well and following a doctor-approved exercise routine may help you keep your blood pressure in check. You can also ask about the possibility of using prescription medications to lower your blood pressure.
• The subarachnoid hemorrhage has many causes. It can be the result of head trauma, a burst aneurysm or an arteriovenous malformation (a birth defect). However, whatever the cause may be, the condition is often set off by intense exercise. If any of these symptoms follow some kind of physical activity, it increases the likelihood that they indicate subarachnoid hemorrhage.

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