Strokes exist in many forms, some being more immediately life-threatening than others. One of the more dangerous strokes is the subarachnoid hemorrhage. Knowing the leading causes of this injury and how Washington medical professionals treat subarachnoid hemorrhages is vital if you’re at risk for this condition.
The relationship between subarachnoid hemorrhages and vasospasms
A subarachnoid hemorrhage can happen in several ways. This condition occurs when blood enters the subarachnoid area of the brain, which is between the brain and the skull. Typically, a substance called cerebrospinal fluid fills this area. Subarachnoid hemorrhages happen when blood mixes with your cerebrospinal fluids. Brain injuries, tangled blood vessels or ruptured aneurysms can all cause subarachnoid hemorrhages.
A vasospasm can occur five to 10 days after someone suffers from a subarachnoid hemorrhage. This condition happens when byproducts of blood irritate an artery’s walls. The interiors of any irritated arteries can narrow in response to this irritation. This situation increases the risk of secondary strokes happening.
Common symptoms of subarachnoid hemorrhages
It’s important to understand common signs of a subarachnoid hemorrhage. The symptoms include:
- Excruciating headaches
- Nausea
- Neck pain
- Vomiting
- Light sensitivity
- Seizures
- Vision impairment
Treating subarachnoid hemorrhages
Depending on a patient’s condition, medical professionals treat subarachnoid hemorrhages in various ways. Extreme cases often warrant the need for lifesaving surgical procedures. Surgery can also stop bleeding in the brain. After suffering a subarachnoid hemorrhage, medical professionals monitor patients for five to 10 days in a clinical setting. Patients also receive pain medication while recovering.
Recovery after a subarachnoid hemorrhage often takes time and hard work. People often must learn how to speak, walk and perform many activities again. Fortunately, two-thirds of people survive after dealing with this type of stroke.