What is a Subarachnoid Hemorrhage?
Subarachnoid hemorrhage involves bleeding within the subarachnoid space, the area between the brain and its thin tissue covering. This may occur as a result of bleeding from other conditions, including an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) or cerebral aneurysm; a head injury; the use of blood thinners; or from unknown causes.
While this condition can affect patients of all ages, races and genders, it is most common in those with high blood pressure, a history of kidney disease, aneurysms in other areas and those who smoke.
Symptoms of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage often experience a severe headache with pain that is worse near the back of the head, as well as symptoms such as:
- Loss of movement
- Confusion
- Muscle aches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Seizures
- Vision problems
- Stiff neck
If a subarachnoid hemorrhage is suspected, your doctor will likely perform a physical and neurological exam, as well as a CT scan of the head to detect bleeding. Angiography may be more effective in determining the exact location and cause of the bleeding. Once diagnosed, immediate treatment is required to reduce the risk of serious complications and permanent damage.
Treatment and Surgery for Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
WARNING: If patients or healthcare providers suspect a subarachnoid hemorrhage, emergent neurosurgical evaluation is warranted!
Treatment for a subarachnoid hemorrhage aims to relieve symptoms and stop bleeding, and often requires surgery to remove blood and alleviate pressure on the brain. This may include a craniotomy, which cuts a hole in the skull, or aneurysm clipping, which cuts of blood supply to the aneurysm. A less invasive procedure called endovascular coiling may also be performed, which places coils within the aneurysm to reduce the risk of further bleeding.
Painkillers and anti-anxiety medications may be effective in relieving headache symptoms and reducing pressure on the brain, while bed rest is often recommended as well to prevent unnecessary straining.
If left untreated, subarachnoid hemorrhage can lead to a stroke, seizure, coma or even death. It is essential to receive proper treatment from an experienced doctor in order to reduce the risk of complications.
At Princeton Neurological Surgery, Dr. Lipani is a board certified fellowship trained neurosurgeon in New Jersey and specialist in the treatment for subarachnoid hemorrhage. Dr. Lipani treats patients from around the world as well as locally from Princeton, New Brunswick, Hopewell, Pennington and communities throughout Somerset, Middlesex, Ocean, Burlington, Monmouth, Morris and Mercer Counties for subarachnoid hemorrhage from trauma, AVMs or other. Dr. Lipani offers image guided brain surgery approaches for subarachnoid hemorrhage treatment, tailored to the needs of each patient. For state-of-the-art subarachnoid hemorrhage treatment call or email us to schedule a consultation at our offices in Hamilton, Bridgewater, or Morristown, New Jersey!
Many patients needing neurosurgery don’t want to travel far from home to see a specialist in another state. With Dr. Lipani, you have subarachnoid hemorrhage surgery options and never have to leave New Jersey. Dr. Lipani makes sure all his patients are well taken care of before and after neurosurgery, making them feel like part of the family.
