Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Overview

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to subarachnoid hemorrhage, including definitions of conditions, treatment options, clinical findings, and prognosis.

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

A condition characterized by bleeding within the subarachnoid space, where cerebrospinal fluid is typically found.

Ischemic Stroke

A type of stroke caused by a blockage of blood vessels, leading to a lack of blood flow to the affected area.

Hemorrhagic Stroke

A type of stroke caused by the rupture of blood vessels, resulting in leakage of blood.

Saccular Aneurysm

A pouch-like bulge in a blood vessel that can rupture and lead to subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Incidence of aSAH

The incidence of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) ranges from 2 to 16 per 100,000 person-years.

Hunt and Hess Scale

A grading scale used to assess the clinical condition of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Glasgow Coma Scale

A scale used to assess consciousness and the neurological status of patients.

Modified Fisher Scale

A scale used to predict the risk of symptomatic vasospasm following subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Complications of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Includes vasospasm, hydrocephalus, cerebral ischemia, and rebleeding.

Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA)

The gold standard diagnostic test used for detecting intracranial aneurysms.

Acute Hydrocephalus

A complication that occurs in 15% to 20% of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage, related to the volume of blood in the ventricles.

Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy (CAA)

A progressive condition due to amyloid-β deposition that may cause convexity subarachnoid hemorrhage in the elderly.

Treatment for Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Includes surgical clipping of aneurysms and prevention of rebleeding.

Symptoms of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Commonly presents with a sudden onset severe headache described as 'the worst headache of my life'.

Prognosis of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Mortality rate approximately 20%, with long-term neuropsychological deficits in 60% to 80% of patients.