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Date of Award
Spring 2023
Degree Name
Master of Medical Science (Physician Assistant)
Department
Physician Assistant; College of Health Sciences
First Advisor
Sophie M. Farley, MMS, PA-C
Abstract
Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is a dangerous and life-threatening condition with significant morbidity and mortality, with an incidence of aSAH of approximately 10-15 individuals per 100,000 annually in the United States. Understanding the etiology, pathophysiology, presentation, diagnosis, and treatment guidelines are critical to reducing the risk of severe complications such as vasospasm, delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI), rebleeding, Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, hydrocephalus, and elevated intracranial pressure. This article summarizes the key aspects of the diagnostic process in patients with aSAH and treatment options in the acute period post-hemorrhage.
Recommended Citation
Patel, Payal, "Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Monitoring in the Acute Period" (2023). Capstone Showcase. 7.
https://scholarworks.arcadia.edu/showcase/2023/pa/7
Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Monitoring in the Acute Period
Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is a dangerous and life-threatening condition with significant morbidity and mortality, with an incidence of aSAH of approximately 10-15 individuals per 100,000 annually in the United States. Understanding the etiology, pathophysiology, presentation, diagnosis, and treatment guidelines are critical to reducing the risk of severe complications such as vasospasm, delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI), rebleeding, Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, hydrocephalus, and elevated intracranial pressure. This article summarizes the key aspects of the diagnostic process in patients with aSAH and treatment options in the acute period post-hemorrhage.
Comments
A comprehensive review on the diagnosis and treatment of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is necessary for all medical providers, as this condition can lead to significant morbidity and mortality if action is not taken to reduce the risk of complications in a timely manner. Providers not trained in neurosurgery or neurocritical care may require further education on aSAH and may benefit from an understanding of critical care management for these patients. In an emergency, failure to order appropriate diagnostic imaging is the most common error in the case of aSAH as it can lead to misdiagnosis and a delay in prompt treatment. The goal of this review is to educate medical providers about diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring for complications in the acute period after the initial bleed from an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage so that appropriate rapid intervention based on evidence-based medicine can be taken to preserve quality of life.