A subarachnoid hemorrhage is a type of bleeding in the skull. The vessels in the brain can sometimes rupture, causing blood to pool in the brain cavity. When this rupture, or hemorrhage, forces blood into the subarachnoid space between the brain and the thin tissues surrounding the brain, it’s called a subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Brain hemorrhages have common symptoms due to the nature of the effect that blood loss and increased pressure within the skull have on the brain. Subarachnoid hemorrhages are no different. In light of some troubling symptoms, doctors can image the brain to determine exactly what is going on.
Symptoms of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
The symptoms of a brain hemorrhage should be taken seriously. Approximately half of all who experience a subarachnoid hemorrhage die within minutes, and half of the remaining patients can be expected to never recover. Minimizing the effect of the bleed on the brain and stopping the blood loss are important steps to ensuring recovery. The symptoms that can be seen include:
-Seizures, particularly when there is no history of seizures for that person
-Sudden neck and back stiffness, as well as muscle aches
-Vision problems, as well as dropping eyelids and pupils appearing as different sizes
-Sudden light sensitivity
-Nausea and vomiting
-Difficulty or loss of movement, numb limbs
-Loss of awareness and confusion
-Sudden loss of consciousness
Examinations to Detect Brain Hemorrhage
Doctors perform a number of exams to determine if the brain is functioning properly. Eye exams can note pupil size and eye movement. A physical exam can check for muscle pain and stiffness. And a neurological exam can determine if the patient’s mental state is altered.
Imaging to Confirm Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
If the symptoms and examinations indicate a neurological deficit, a hemorrhage has to be ruled out or confirmed.
Doctors can use magnetic resonance imaging, known as MRI, or CT scans (CT stands for computed tomography) to image the brain. If a vessel in the brain has hemorrhaged, the blood will be visible on the image obtained. Magnetic resonance angiography, which uses a dye infused through an IV, can also be done to pinpoint the affected vessels, as well as cerebral angiography and CT angiography with a contrast dye.
To detect vasospasms, a potential complication of hemorrhage that can lead to stroke, transcranial Doppler ultrasound can be used.
The results of all of the tests will determine the treatment that must be pursued for the best outcome. However, even with the best care, some individuals who suffer brain hemorrhage never recover.
