Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH)

A subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a type of stroke that occurs when there is bleeding between the brain and the meninges (the membrane that covers the brain) in the subarachnoid space. A subarachnoid hemorrhage is a serious condition that, if left untreated, can lead to brain damage or death.

The primary symptom of a subarachnoid hemorrhage is a severe, sudden headache. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, seizures or a loss of consciousness.

Subarachnoid hemorrhages are often due to an aneurysm or an arteriovenous malformation (AVM). They may also be caused by traumatic injuries to the brain, such as those sustained as the result of a fall or accident. 

In order to accurately evaluate the type of stroke you may be having, your doctor and medical team will give you a thorough physical examination and will use a variety of tests. Subarachnoid hemorrhages are likely to be diagnosed with one or more imaging tests, such as:

• Computerized tomography (CT) scan
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Cerebral angiogram

Your doctor may also have you undergo a lumbar puncture, where a needle is inserted into your lower back so that a small of amount of cerebrospinal fluid can be examined for blood, which would indicate a subarachnoid hemorrhage.
 

Northwell Health is a state-designated stroke center with a multidisciplinary team of experts who can diagnose and treat all kinds of strokes, including subarachnoid hemorrhages, with advanced techniques. Treatment options for subarachnoid hemorrhage include:

• Clipping—Your neurosurgeon will use a metal clip to stop the blood flow to the aneurysm.
• Endovascular embolization—Embolization involves the injection of liquid adhesives through catheters that are navigated from a small incision in the groin region (femoral artery) in order to stop blood flow.
• Coiling—Using a catheter inserted into the femoral artery, your surgeon will place a soft platinum coil in the aneurysm. The coil will conform to the aneurysm and stop the blood from flowing.
• Stenting—Stenting involves the insertion of a slender, metal mesh tube inside the artery to divert blood flow.