Subarachnoid hemorrhage in the emergency department
Abstract Background Subarachnoid hemorrhage accounts for more than 30,000 cases of stroke annually in North America and encompasses a 4.4% mortality rate. Since a vast number of subarachnoid hemorrhage cases present in a younger population and can range from benign to severe, an accurate diagnosis i...
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Format: | Article |
Language: | English |
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BMC
2021-05-01
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Series: | International Journal of Emergency Medicine |
Subjects: | |
Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12245-021-00353-w |
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author | Sima Patel Amay Parikh Okorie Nduka Okorie |
author_facet | Sima Patel Amay Parikh Okorie Nduka Okorie |
author_sort | Sima Patel |
collection | DOAJ |
description | Abstract Background Subarachnoid hemorrhage accounts for more than 30,000 cases of stroke annually in North America and encompasses a 4.4% mortality rate. Since a vast number of subarachnoid hemorrhage cases present in a younger population and can range from benign to severe, an accurate diagnosis is imperative to avoid premature morbidity and mortality. Here, we present a straightforward approach to evaluating, risk stratifying, and managing subarachnoid hemorrhages in the emergency department for the emergency medicine physician. Discussion The diversities of symptom presentation should be considered before proceeding with diagnostic modalities for subarachnoid hemorrhage. Once a subarachnoid hemorrhage is suspected, a computed tomography of the head with the assistance of the Ottawa subarachnoid hemorrhage rule should be utilized as an initial diagnostic measure. If further investigation is needed, a CT angiography of the head or a lumbar puncture can be considered keeping risks and limitations in mind. Initiating timely treatment is essential following diagnosis to help mitigate future complications. Risk tools can be used to assess the complications for which the patient is at greatest. Conclusion Subarachnoid hemorrhages are frequently misdiagnosed; therefore, we believe it is imperative to address the diagnosis and initiation of early management in the emergency medicine department to minimize poor outcomes in the future. |
first_indexed | 2024-12-21T21:53:15Z |
format | Article |
id | doaj.art-756c8236e525438b9e95c786291b1f65 |
institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
issn | 1865-1372 1865-1380 |
language | English |
last_indexed | 2024-12-21T21:53:15Z |
publishDate | 2021-05-01 |
publisher | BMC |
record_format | Article |
series | International Journal of Emergency Medicine |
spelling | doaj.art-756c8236e525438b9e95c786291b1f652022-12-21T18:49:02ZengBMCInternational Journal of Emergency Medicine1865-13721865-13802021-05-011411810.1186/s12245-021-00353-wSubarachnoid hemorrhage in the emergency departmentSima Patel0Amay Parikh1Okorie Nduka Okorie2Division of Neurocritical Care, Department of Critical Care Medicine, AdventHealthDivision of Neurocritical Care, Department of Critical Care Medicine, AdventHealthDivision of Neurocritical Care, Department of Critical Care Medicine, AdventHealthAbstract Background Subarachnoid hemorrhage accounts for more than 30,000 cases of stroke annually in North America and encompasses a 4.4% mortality rate. Since a vast number of subarachnoid hemorrhage cases present in a younger population and can range from benign to severe, an accurate diagnosis is imperative to avoid premature morbidity and mortality. Here, we present a straightforward approach to evaluating, risk stratifying, and managing subarachnoid hemorrhages in the emergency department for the emergency medicine physician. Discussion The diversities of symptom presentation should be considered before proceeding with diagnostic modalities for subarachnoid hemorrhage. Once a subarachnoid hemorrhage is suspected, a computed tomography of the head with the assistance of the Ottawa subarachnoid hemorrhage rule should be utilized as an initial diagnostic measure. If further investigation is needed, a CT angiography of the head or a lumbar puncture can be considered keeping risks and limitations in mind. Initiating timely treatment is essential following diagnosis to help mitigate future complications. Risk tools can be used to assess the complications for which the patient is at greatest. Conclusion Subarachnoid hemorrhages are frequently misdiagnosed; therefore, we believe it is imperative to address the diagnosis and initiation of early management in the emergency medicine department to minimize poor outcomes in the future.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12245-021-00353-wSubarachnoid hemorrhageEmergency departmentNeurologic injuryHunt and HessModified FischerAneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage |
spellingShingle | Sima Patel Amay Parikh Okorie Nduka Okorie Subarachnoid hemorrhage in the emergency department International Journal of Emergency Medicine Subarachnoid hemorrhage Emergency department Neurologic injury Hunt and Hess Modified Fischer Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage |
title | Subarachnoid hemorrhage in the emergency department |
title_full | Subarachnoid hemorrhage in the emergency department |
title_fullStr | Subarachnoid hemorrhage in the emergency department |
title_full_unstemmed | Subarachnoid hemorrhage in the emergency department |
title_short | Subarachnoid hemorrhage in the emergency department |
title_sort | subarachnoid hemorrhage in the emergency department |
topic | Subarachnoid hemorrhage Emergency department Neurologic injury Hunt and Hess Modified Fischer Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage |
url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12245-021-00353-w |
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