A subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) involves bleeding into the space between the surface of the brain (the pia mater) and the arachnoid, one of three coverings of the brain. A common cause of a subarachnoid hemorrhage is the sudden rupture of an aneurysm. A bleed from an arteriovenous malformation (AVM), head trauma or from certain types of hemorrhagic stroke can also be related to subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Bleeding around the brain is a very serious condition that must be treated immediately. Symptoms may come on very suddenly and can include:
If you experience the symptoms of an SAH, our team of cerebrovascular specialists will use a variety of advanced imaging techniques to help determine the cause and location of the bleed. These tests may include:
Once the cause of the subarachnoid hemorrhage is found, it needs to be treated immediately. If the SAH is caused by an aneurysm or AVM, the treatment will be one that is specific to those conditions.
Treatment of SAH generally occurs in three phases:
To schedule an appointment at the UCLA Cerebrovascular Program, please call 310-825-5111 or click here to request an appointment.
