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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Main Authors: Sima Patel, Amay Parikh, Okorie Nduka Okorie
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2021-05-01
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.
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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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