When a cerebral
aneurysm ruptures, blood will fill the space
surrounding the brain.
What is it? Subarachnoid hemorrhage
occurs when a blood vessel just outside the brain
ruptures. The area of the skull surrounding the
brain (the subarachnoid space) rapidly fills with
blood. A patient with subarachnoid hemorrhage
may have a sudden, intense headache, neck pain,
and nausea or vomiting. Sometimes this is
described as the worst headache of one's life.
The sudden buildup of pressure outside the brain
may also cause rapid loss of consciousness or
death.
What causes it? Subarachnoid hemorrhage
is most often caused by abnormalities of the arteries
at the base of the brain, called cerebral aneurysms.
These are small areas of rounded or irregular
swellings in the arteries. Where the swelling
is most severe, the blood vessel wall become weak
and prone to rupture. View an interactive
tutorial on cerebral aneurysms from the Toronto
Brain Vascular Malformation Study Group. (Requires
Flash.)
Surgical treatment
of aneurysms involves placing clip on neck
of aneurysm.
Who gets it? The cause of cerebral aneurysms
is not known. They may develop from birth or in
childhood and grow very slowly. Some people have
not one, but several aneuryms. Subarachnoid
hemorrhage can occur at any age, including teenagers
and young adults. Subarachnoid hemorrhage is slightly
more common in women than men.
The information contained in this
web site is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment.
Consultation with your doctor or health care professional is recommended.