Subarachnoid Haemorrhage 

What is a subarachnoid Haemorrhage? 

A Subarachnoid Haemorrhage is an uncommon type of stroke caused by bleeding on the surface of the brain. It's a very serious condition and can be fatal. 

Symptoms of a Subarachnoid Haemorrhage 

There are usually no warning signs but a subarachnoid haemorrhage sometimes happens during physical exercise or straining, such as coughing, going to the toilet or lifting something heavy. 

The main symptoms are: 

• A sudden agonising headache - which is often described as being similar to a sudden hit on the head, resulting in blinding pain 
• A stiff neck 
• Feeling and being sick 
• Sensitivity to light 
• Blurred or double vision 
• Stroke-like symptoms 

Possible complications 

A subarachnoid haemorrhage can cause both short and long-term complications. 

Serious short-term complications can include further bleeding at the site of any aneurysm and brain damage caused by a reduction in blood supply to the brain. 

Long-term complications include:

• Epilepsy
• Problems with memory, planning and concentration
• Changes in mood

Rehabilitation  

Rehabilitation can vary from patient to patient but cognitive rehabilitation programmes can be addressed in our memory workshops and changes in mood can be addressed with our emotional support.