Medical Health Encyclopedia

Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Central nervous system
Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention
Subarachnoid hemorrhage
Alternative Names: Hemorrhage - subarachnoid Symptoms: Headache Sudden onset Described as the "worst ever experience" Can be preceded by a popping or snapping sensation in the head Pain described as a new type Generalized pain, often worse near the back of the head Nausea and vomiting may accompany the headache Decreased consciousness and alertness Temporary or progressively worsens to coma and death Difficulty seeing or changes in vision Double vision Blind spots Temporary loss of vision in one eye Stiff neck Photophobia (light bothering or hurting the eyes) Muscle aches (especially neck pain and shoulder pain) Seizure or spell Difficulty or loss of movement or sensation of a part of the body Changes in mood and personality Confusion Irritability Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease: Eyes, pupils different size Eyelid drooping Opisthotonos (not very common) Signs and tests: Text Continues Below About 30% of patients with SAH are misdiagnosed at first. If subarachnoid hemorrhage is suspected, a computed tomography (CT) scan (without dye contrast) of the head should be immediately performed. In some cases, the head CT scan may be normal, especially if there has only been a small bleed. If the CT scan is normal, a lumbar puncture (spinal tap ) must be performed. Patients with SAH will have blood in their spinal fluid. Cerebral angiography of blood vessels of the brain may show small aneurysms or other vascular problems. This test can pinpoint the exact location of the bleed. Page:  1 | 2 | Next >>