Subarachnoid Stroke

A subarachnoid stroke is a type of stroke that occurs when there is bleeding in the area between the brain and spinal cord. This type of stroke is caused by bleeding from an intracranial aneurysm, an abnormal bulge in one of the arteries that supply the brain, or a rupture of a saccular aneurysm, a type of aneurysm that is shaped like a berry. Subarachnoid strokes can also be caused by arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) that occur in the brain, which are an abnormal connection between veins and arteries. The immediate symptoms of a subarachnoid stroke include sudden severe headache, coma, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, and a decrease in blood pressure. Other symptoms may include confusion, vision changes, and speech difficulties. While these symptoms can be extremely serious, the good news is that most people who experience a subarachnoid stroke survive and can go on to make a full recovery. When a subarachnoid stroke is suspected, medical professionals will usually perform a CT scan or an MRI of the head to confirm the diagnosis. Following the diagnosis, some people may require endovascular coiling, a procedure in which small coils are inserted into the aneurysm to stop the bleeding. In some cases, a craniotomy may be necessary to control and repair the aneurysm. Other treatments include medications to control symptoms and reduce the risk of a second stroke and lifestyle modifications to minimize the risk of further problems. In most cases, a subarachnoid stroke can be managed successfully and the patient can make a full recovery. However, it is still important to take the necessary steps to minimize the risk of a future stroke, including avoiding smoking and heavy alcohol use, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet.