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Subarachnoid haemorrhage -Collection of blood between the arachnoid and pia mater, can be due to medical aneurysmal rupture or traumatic head injury. SAH is a true medical emergency.
SAH is a devastating form of stroke
Thunderclap headache ( described as worst headache of life )
severe headache that develops within seconds to minutes
max intensity at onset
neck stiffness ( typically about 6 hrs after onset of SAH )
photophobiaFeatures of meningism as blood extends into the IVth ventricle - blood further goes down the spinal cord -irritation of surrounding nerves causes neck pain and stiffness
vomiting , reduced level of consciousness
hemiparesis ( occasional seizures )
coma ( high grade SAH )
Sudden death ( about 10 % of cases of spontaneous SAH )
Rapidly escalating headache
Transient loss of consciousness
High probablity SAH if h/o exertional onset , syncope , vomiting , neck pain & seizures
Patient may inform about a prior severe headache &/or h/o small bleed with resolving symptoms ( in the last month or so - called as sentinel bleed )
Often a preceding h/o bending over , lifting heavy objects or other strenuous activities
SAH is a subtype of stroke , affects otherwise healthy...
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