Subarachnoid hemorrhage drainage surgery

Written by Liu Yan Hao
Neurology
Updated on May 30, 2025
00:00
00:00

Subarachnoid hemorrhage drainage, also known as cerebrospinal fluid replacement surgery, often occurs due to the rupture of cerebral aneurysms. The blood clots enter the subarachnoid space causing severe headaches, increased intracranial pressure, nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms. It is essential to drain the blood clots as early as possible to achieve effective treatment results. The subarachnoid space is a gap between the pia mater and arachnoid mater, which are two of the three membranes covering the brain and spinal cord—the innermost layer being the pia mater, followed by the arachnoid and the outermost dura mater. Normally, the subarachnoid space contains cerebrospinal fluid that is continuously circulating. Hence, in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage, performing a lumbar puncture can drain the bloody cerebrospinal fluid. During this procedure, a puncture is made in the lumbar region to drain the bloody cerebrospinal fluid, followed by the injection of an equal volume of saline solution. This facilitates the replacement of the blood clots in the subarachnoid space with saline solution. Conducting this procedure once daily, continuously for three to five days, can significantly alleviate the symptoms of subarachnoid hemorrhage. Essentially, this process is also known as cerebrospinal fluid puncture or cerebrospinal fluid replacement surgery.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
1min 11sec home-news-image

Differentiation between subarachnoid hemorrhage and cerebral hemorrhage

Subarachnoid hemorrhage and cerebral hemorrhage, though both involve bleeding, have different mechanisms of onset. The first distinction is that cerebral hemorrhage is generally caused by hypertension. Hypertension leads to hyaline degeneration and fibrinoid necrosis of arteries, resulting in bleeding. In contrast, the most common cause of subarachnoid hemorrhage is an aneurysm, which may be related to factors such as smoking and congenital developmental abnormalities. In terms of clinical presentation, cerebral hemorrhage has a sudden onset, with symptoms of headache, nausea, vomiting, but also includes impairments in language functions, and signs of neurological deficits such as limb paralysis. Subarachnoid hemorrhage, on the other hand, typically involves very severe pain, usually without manifestations such as limb paralysis. Furthermore, from a radiological perspective on CT imaging, cerebral hemorrhage is mainly located in the brain parenchyma, while subarachnoid hemorrhage mainly indicates that the site of bleeding is in the subarachnoid space.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
55sec home-news-image

Subarachnoid hemorrhage sequelae

Subarachnoid hemorrhage is a rather dangerous disease that develops very suddenly, most often caused by the rupture of an intracranial aneurysm. Some patients may not have any sequelae, but some severe cases can result in lasting consequences. Common sequelae include the following aspects: First, hydrocephalus. This condition can lead to adhesions of the meninges and can cause blood to remain in the subarachnoid space and the ventricles, potentially causing fluid accumulation. Second, there may be residual epileptic seizures. If epilepsy is a sequela, long-term oral anti-epileptic drugs are required. Third, some patients may experience cerebral vasospasm, leading to secondary cerebral infarction, which can leave patients with limb paresis and language impairments.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Yan Hao
Neurology
59sec home-news-image

Subarachnoid hemorrhage clinical manifestations

Patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage typically exhibit persistent, severe headaches accompanied by projectile vomiting. Patients often experience symptoms of clouded consciousness, irritability, and anxiety. The most common cause of subarachnoid hemorrhage is the rupture of cerebral aneurysms, with blood entering the subarachnoid space, stimulating the pia mater and arachnoid membrane, and inducing severe headaches. This also leads to a rapid increase in intracranial pressure, causing projectile vomiting. Additionally, symptoms often include clouded consciousness and restlessness. Treatment requires complete bed rest for four to six weeks, using hemostatic, analgesic, and sedative medications to allow the patient to rest quietly. (Use specific medications only under the guidance of a doctor, and do not self-medicate.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
1min 13sec home-news-image

What is good to eat for subarachnoid hemorrhage?

Subarachnoid hemorrhage is most commonly caused by an aneurysm. Once an aneurysm ruptures, it can lead to blood leaking into the subarachnoid space, causing severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, and other clinical symptoms. The onset is very sudden and the headaches can be extremely intense. It is crucial to treat aggressively and clamp the aneurysm as soon as possible. The diet for patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage should include: First, it is essential to take anti-vasospasm medications, as subarachnoid hemorrhage can easily lead to arterial spasms. Calcium channel blockers should be used to prevent arterial spasms to avoid severe complications. Second, consume foods that aid in bowel movements, such as bananas, apples, and oranges. It is vital for patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage to maintain regular bowel movements, and these foods can help. Third, eat high-quality proteins to strengthen the body and prevent complications. This can include fish, lean meats, beef, and drinking milk.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
57sec home-news-image

Symptoms of subarachnoid hemorrhage

Subarachnoid hemorrhage is a rather dangerous disease, generally caused by the rupture of an aneurysm, but it can also be due to cerebral arteriovenous malformations. The symptoms of the hemorrhage mainly manifest as severe headache, with many patients describing it as the worst headache of their life. Additionally, patients may experience significant nausea and vomiting, and signs of meningeal irritation such as neck stiffness. Patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage may also develop a fever, though typically not exceeding 38 degrees Celsius, and may experience cerebral vasospasms. If the spasms are severe, they could lead to secondary cerebral thrombosis. Moreover, if the bleeding is substantial, the patient may also suffer from consciousness disorders such as coma, as well as serious complications like electrolyte imbalances and hyponatremia.