Subarachnoid Haemorrhage

Question 1

What are the risk factors for subarachnoid haemorrhage?

Answer 1

• Hypertension
• Smoking
• FHx
• Polycystic kidney disease
• Connective tissue disorders

Question 2

What are the likely findings on history/exam for a person with a subarachnoid haemorrhage?

Answer 2

• Headache (sudden/severe)
• Sentinel in 3 months prior possible
• Photophobia
• LOC
• Nausea/vomiting
• CNIII palsy
• Neurological deficit
• Retinal haemorrhage

Question 3

How might you manage someone with a subarachnoid haemorrhage?

Answer 3

• Haemorrhage control
  
  • Surgical clipping/coil embolisation
  • Calcium channel blockers (reduce vasospasm)
• Correction of underlying cause
• Care with reactive vasospasm (to blood) down the track