Death rate due to subarachnoid hemorrhage may reach up to 35 per cent in 30 days

A newer technology allows for a minimally invasive approach to evacuating deep symptomatic SAH

The exact incidence in the Indian population is unknown. The incidence in the Indian population may be towards the lower end of the spectrum. However, given the large population in India, there is a need to raise awareness on Subarachnoid hemorrhage cases. Though the exact risk factors remain unknown in most, some of the known risk factors include smoking, hypertension (high blood pressure), heavy alcoholism, drugs like cocaine, and certain rare genetic syndromes (e.g., autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease). The timely diagnosis and intervention are of utmost importance for better outcomes. The initial signs of the neurological condition can be as simple as headache and vomiting. If simple signs do not go away after initial medication, it’s wise to seek a specialist opinion.

Dr Vikram Huded, Senior Consultant, Interventional Neurologist & Head of Neurology, Narayana Health Institute of Neurosciences, said, “Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a type of brain stroke occurring due to bleeding in the subarachnoid space and comprises around 3 per cent of all strokes. Traumatic SAH is the commonest form and is treated in lines of other accompanying brain injuries resulting from direct or indirect mechanical impact to the skull and brain. Aneurysmal SAH is the commonest form of spontaneous SAH and results from rupture of an aneurysm- a ballooned-out area in the wall of a brain artery. This is a serious condition and may be life-threatening resulting in immediate death in around 15 per cent of the sufferers i.e., these individuals succumb even before reaching a medical facility. The death rate of the affected ones may reach up to 35 per cent at 30 days from the time of onset and several of the surviving individuals may remain disabled for life.”

Hospital care is required for supportive care and to stop bleeding and limit brain damage. Treatment may include surgery or catheter-based therapy. Options include surgical clipping or endovascular coiling. If the SAH is from a bleeding arteriovenous malformation, surgery may be performed to remove the AVM. Clotted blood and fluid build-up in the subarachnoid space may cause hydrocephalus and elevated intracranial pressure.

A newer technology allows for a minimally invasive approach to evacuating deep symptomatic SAH. This minimally invasive approach utilises small tubular retractors (BrainPath) to gently spread the brain fibers apart as well as improved visualisation. These tools allow us to evacuate the clot and reduce brain injury from the clot itself. After treating the patient for SAH.