High-Grade Subarachnoid Hemorrhage - Beyond Guidelines

Subarachnnoid hemorrhage (SAH) present in a spectrum of clinical severity, from alert with a headache to comatose. High-grade SAH has higher mortality and risk for severe complications including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI). Existing treatment approaches for ARDS in SAH require special consideration because of potential impact on intracranial pressure and cerebral perfusion. DCI is a major cause of SAH morbidity and is often discordant with angiographic vasospasm. Current treatment approaches for DCI and vasospasm require further investigation to determine efficacy and risk/benefit. Nimodipine remains the only therapeutic that is proven to improve SAH outcome.