Recognize subarachnoid hemorrhage, brain hemorrhage which is fatal

Severe head trauma that occurs from motorized accidents or sports injuries to the head can cause trauma to the brain. One of the most common types of brain trauma is subarachnoid hemorrhage. Unfortunately, this condition is often not detected quickly because it generally does not cause significant symptoms. Yet in 50 percent of cases, subarachnoid hemorrhage can be fatal. One in eight people who experience it can die before reaching the hospital.

So, it is important to know what the symptoms are so that if this happens to you in the future, you can get medical help quickly. Here's a more complete review of subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Recognizing subarachnoid hemorrhage

The brain is protected by the meninges membrane, which has three layers consisting of the pia meter (inside), the arachnoid (middle), and the dura meter (outer).

Subarachnoid hemorrhage is bleeding that occurs within the subarachnoid space, which is the space between the two layers of membranes that enclose the brain. This chamber is directly below the arachnoid membrane and above the pia meter.

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The subarachnoid space is a space where brain fluid collects, called the cerebrospinal. This fluid is responsible for cushioning the brain from injury.

When triggered by strenuous physical activity (sometimes it can even occur during sex), physical trauma to the head, or certain medical conditions that cause brain trauma, blood can leak into the subarachnoid space, causing the cerebrospinal fluid to become mixed with blood. This can lead to coma, paralysis, physical disability, and even death.

Subarachnoid hemorrhage accounts for 5–10 percent of stroke events, and about one in four stroke-related deaths.

Signs and symptoms of subarachnoid hemorrhage

Usually subarachnoid hemorrhage presents without symptoms. However, the main and most common symptom of this bleeding is a sudden headache that feels really bad. The pain would probably be the same as receiving a heavy blow to the head. This headache usually spreads to the back of the head.

In addition, there are several other common symptoms that may arise, including:

• Neck or leg pain
• Shoulder pain
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Blurred or double vision
• Stroke-like symptoms (slurred speech and feeling weak on one side of the body)
• Loss of consciousness or convulsions
• Numbness all over the body
• Confusion or feeling dazed (delirium)
• Nausea and vomiting
• There is bleeding into the eyeball
• Blood pressure increases

These symptoms appear suddenly, and you may quickly lose consciousness. Get medical help right away if you have recently experienced head trauma and are experiencing the above symptoms along with a severe headache.

What causes subarachnoid hemorrhage?

Apart from severe physical trauma to the head, the most common cause of subarachnoid hemorrhage is a ruptured aneurysm. Aneurysms are inflammation of blood vessels caused by weakened vessel walls. The bigger the swelling, the higher the risk of rupturing the aneurysm.

The exact cause of an aneurysm is not clear. However, gender (female), age (40-65 years), people who smoke, consume excessive alcohol, or have high blood pressure (hypertension) have a higher risk of developing an aneurysm which is at risk of rupture. In addition, congenital defects in some people can cause blood vessels to weaken and thin, increasing the risk of aneurysms.

Another condition that can cause subarachnoid hemorrhage is artery malformation or AVM for short. AVM is a group of blood vessels (arteries and veins) that develop abnormally so that they are connected to each other. These two blood vessels are connected by a fistula, so sometimes it is also called an arteriovenous fistula.

AVM is a common cause of subarachnoid hemorrhage. AVMs can occur in blood vessels in the spinal cord, brainstem, or brain. The malformed blood vessels can then form an aneurysm. This condition may arise because of a disturbance when the fetus develops in the uterus. Symptoms do not tend to appear until bleeding occurs.

Possible complications of arachnoid hemorrhage

The most common complication is repeated bleeding. An aneurysm that has ruptured and is healing on its own may be able to burst again. Repeated bleeding can increase the risk of death. Coma due to subarachnoid hemorrhage can also lead to death.

In addition, other complications that may occur include:

• Brain damage caused by reduced blood supply to the brain.
• Epilepsy, where a person has recurrent seizures (after treatment).
• Problems with certain mental functions; such as memory, planning and concentration.
• Mood changes, such as depression.
• In some cases, you may have a seizure or stroke after treatment.

How to prevent subarachnoid hemorrhage?

There are several things you can do to reduce the risk of arachnoid bleeding, namely:

• Quit smoking and reduce alcohol consumption.
• Prevent high blood pressure, by doing regular exercise, having a healthy diet, and losing weight if you are overweight.
• Identify potential problems in the brain, by doing early detection.
• Use personal protective equipment during risky physical activity, for example at work or while playing sports. Use a helmet and face mask.