Introduction: Subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) causes 3% of all strokes and is caused by a ruptured cerebral aneurysm in four of five cases. This review article presents an update of knowledge on symptoms, diagnosis and management of SAH.
Material and methods: This article is based on selected literature and the authors' clinical experience.
Results and interpretation: The mortality of SAH is approximately 50% and one out of three survivors have permanent disabling neurological symptoms. Patients with suspected or diagnosed SAH need urgent examination and treatment. A large randomised multicentre study (International Subarachnoid Aneurysm Trial) suggests that endovascular repair with coiling may be less traumatic than microsurgery. Not all patients are suitable for endovascular treatment, despite new tools like balloon- and stent-assisted coiling. Centres that treat patients with SAH should have both methods available at all hours. The management of these patients involves advanced neuro-intensive care, and co-operation between neurosurgeons, neuroradiologists and neuroanestesiologists.