About this topic
There is an area between the brain and the thin tissues that cover the brain. This is the subarachnoid space. Sometimes, there is bleeding in this area. This is called a subarachnoid hemorrhage. It is caused by a blood vessel just outside of your brain bursting open. The space around the brain quickly fills with blood. Then, you have pressure on your brain. This causes signs like the worst headache you can imagine. You may also feel dizzy and throw up. Some people become sleepy or have pain in the neck. A subarachnoid hemorrhage is an emergency and you will need care right away. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Your doctor will give you specific instructions if you had surgery. This will include how to care for your cut site.
- Take extra care to avoid falling. Use a cane or walker if you are unsteady. Hold handrails. Move things out of the way that you might trip on such as cords or small rugs. Wear good shoes and slippers with rubber soles to prevent you from slipping.
- If you have a pet, like a cat or dog, take extra care when walking. Your pet may walk in front of you or between your feet, causing you to trip.
- Take your drugs as ordered. Do not stop your drugs until your doctor tells you to do so.
- Ask your doctor before taking any other drugs, vitamins, or supplements.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your condition needs to be monitored closely. Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Your doctor may suggest rehab care. You may need special help from different therapists.
- If you have stitches or staples, you will need to have them taken out. Your doctor will often want to do this in 1 to 2 weeks.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Lower blood pressure
- Prevent or treat seizures
- Open blood vessels wider or prevent blood vessel spasms
- Help with pain
- Stop you from throwing up
- Treat or prevent infection
If you have a hard time remembering to take your drugs, have someone remind you. It may help to write down a plan to follow or use an alarm or talking pill box to help you. ‚
Will physical activity be limited?
You may have to limit your activity. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
- Eat a healthy diet that is low in sodium and cholesterol.
- Avoid caffeine which can narrow blood vessels.
- Avoid beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol).
- Do NOT smoke or use recreational drugs.
- You may have other diet changes based on the drugs that are ordered for you.
- Your doctor may want you to see a dietitian to make sure you are eating the right foods.
What problems could happen?
- Bleeding in the brain
- Seizures
- Stroke
- Infection
- Coma or death
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Do not drive when you are taking drugs for pain. Do not drink alcohol and drive.
- Wear a seatbelt when you drive or ride in a car.
- Use a helmet when riding a motorcycle, bicycle, or other like activity.
- Limit activities that may result in falling.
- Wear a hard hat for certain jobs or activities.
- If you have high blood pressure, make sure you take your drugs as ordered. Work with your doctor to keep your blood pressure controlled.
When do I need to call the doctor?
Activate the emergency medical system right away if you have signs of stroke. Call 911 in the United States or Canada. The sooner treatment begins, the better your chances for recovery. Call for emergency help right away if you have: ‚
- Signs of stroke:
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
- Problems with your brain like:
- More confusion, drowsiness, or any change in being aware
- Unable to remember common things
- More sleepy than expected or hard to wake up
- Pain or ache in your neck that will not go away
- Problems with how you move or feel like:
- Upset stomach and throwing up that wont go away
- Staggering or trouble walking
- Weakness or numbness of an arm or leg
- Stiff neck
- Having trouble speaking
- Chest pain or pressure
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you how I will take extra care when walking and to avoid falling.
- I can tell you what I will do if I am more confused or not able to remember things.
Where can I learn more?
Better Health Channel ‚
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Subarachnoid_haemorrhage ‚
Brain Aneurysm Foundation ‚
http://www.bafound.org/subarachnoid-hemorrhage ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/subarachnoid-haemorrhage/pages/introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚