Avoiding pitfalls in the diagnosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage

Article Abstract:

Patients who come to an emergency room with a warning headache may have a subarachnoid hemorrhage. This is a hemorrhage between the membranes that surround the brain. A warning headache is often described as the worst headache ever experienced, and may be accompanied by loss of consciousness, vision disorders, seizures, and other neurologic signs. These patients should have a CT scan of the head and a lumbar puncture. Blood in the cerebrospinal fluid can indicate subarachnoid hemorrhage. Patients with risk factors such as smoking, hypertension or family history might receive a more extensive workup.

Author: Edlow, Jonathan A., Caplan, Louis R.
Subarachnoid hemorrhage

User Contributions:

Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:

CAPTCHA


Should intracranial aneurysms be treated before they rupture?

Article Abstract:

Many people with aneurysms in their brain may not need treatment. A 1998 study found that aneurysms of one-half inch or less were very unlikely to rupture. The location of the aneurysm was also linked to the risk of rupture as was a history of a previous rupture. Other studies have confirmed that small aneurysms are unlikely to rupture. Consequently, the complications of surgery may outweigh the benefits in these patients. Surgery may also be harder on older patients compared to younger patients.

Author: Caplan, Louis R.
Editorial, Surgery, Intracranial aneurysms, Cerebral aneurysm

User Contributions:

Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:

CAPTCHA


Vertebrobasilar disease

Article Abstract:

Vertebrobasilar ischemia disease is caused by embolism, large artery artherosclerosis, penetrating small-artery disease and arterial dissection. The cardio investigations including eletrography and rhythm monitoring are important parts of the evaluation to search for cardiac and aortic sources of the embolism, and intravenous or intrarterial thrombolytic therapy is recommended for the cure of vertebrobasilar disease.

Author: Caplan, Louis R., Savitz, Sean I.
United Kingdom, Care and treatment, Causes of, Risk factors, Embolism, Ischemia

User Contributions:

Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:

CAPTCHA


Subjects list: Diagnosis
This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.