Subarachnoid haemorrhage Flashcards

You may prefer our related Brainscape-certified flashcards:
1
Q

Causes

A

Most common is traumatic

Intracranial aneurysm

AV malformation

Pituitary apoplexy

Arterial dissection

Mycotic (infective aneurysms)

Perimesencephalic

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Presenting features

A

Sudden onset, severe, occipital headache

Nausea and vomiting

Meningism

Coma

Seizures

Sudden death

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Confirmation of SAH

A

CT head
- hyperdense blood distributed in basal cisterns, sulci and ventricular system

LP
- used to confirm SAH if CT is negative
- 12 hours following onset of symptoms

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

LP findings

A

Xanthochromia (12 hours after as thats the time needed for RBC breakdown)

Normal or raised opening pressure

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Treatment

A

Aneurysm- prompt intervention; coil; strict bed rest until then

Hydrocephalus- external ventricular drain

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Complications of aneurysmal SAH

A

Rebleeding (most common in first 12 hours)

Vasospasm (7-14 days after)

Hyponatraemia (due to SIADH)

Seizures

Hydrocephalus

Death

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Predictive factors in SAH

A

Conscious level on admission

Age

Amount of blood visible on CT head

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly