Stroke: Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
This Stroke Involves the Rupturing of an Artery Near the Brain
Jan 24, 2007
Definition of Subarachnoid Hemorrhaging
Subarachnoid hemorrhaging, much like intracerebral hemorrhaging, is caused by the rupturing of an artery. The difference is in the location: the subarachnoid stroke takes place outside of the brain in the subarachnoid space, where blood leakage can quickly pool and render a person unconscious or even cause death. The arteries most affected are located at the base of the brain. The cause for this type of stroke is usually cerebral aneurysms, or irregular artery walls. These malformed areas can become weak and burst, causing the subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Risk Factors for Subarachnoid Hemorrhaging
Women have a slightly higher risk than men for experiencing this type of stroke. Cerebral aneurysms can affect anyone and can possibly be congenital, so age is not a huge factor. Juveniles and young adults are equally at risk.
Specific Symptoms of Subarachnoid Hemorrhaging
A person experiencing this type of stroke can have a severe headache, nausea/vomitting, and drowsiness or unconsciousness. For more information, see www.strokecenter.org.
***For more information about strokes, read Symptoms of a Stroke, Stroke: Intracerebral Hemorrhage, and Ischemic Stroke.
***For related neurological information, visit the Neurological ARTICLE INDEX and Blog.
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