Spontaneous Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Posterior Cerebral Artery Strokes

Last updated: February 8, 2026Reviewed date: February 8, 2026Reading time: 6 min read
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Spontaneous Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH) and Posterior Cerebral Artery Strokes (PCA Strokes) into simple terms. We'll discuss what they are, their causes, symptoms, diagnostic tests, treatments, drugs, and surgery options. Our goal is to make this complex medical topic accessible and understandable. Spontaneous Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH) is a condition where there is bleeding in the space surrounding your brain, called the subarachnoid space. It usually happens...

Key Takeaways

  • This article explains Causes  in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Symptoms in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Diagnostic Tests  in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Treatments  in simple medical language.
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Definition

Spontaneous Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH) and Posterior Cerebral Strokes (PCA Strokes) into simple terms. We’ll discuss what they are, their causes, symptoms, diagnostic tests, treatments, drugs, and surgery options. Our goal is to make this complex medical topic accessible and understandable.

Spontaneous Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH) is a condition where there is bleeding in the space surrounding your brain, called the subarachnoid space. It usually happens suddenly and can be life-threatening.

Causes 

  1. Aneurysms: Weak spots in blood vessel walls that burst.
  2. : head injuries can cause SAH.
  3. High Blood Pressure: Can weaken blood vessel walls.
  4. Blood Thinners: Medications that increase the risk of bleeding.
  5. Smoking: Increases the risk of aneurysms.
  6. Alcohol Abuse: Can lead to high blood pressure.
  7. : Genetics play a role in some cases.
  8. Brain Tumors: Can damage blood vessels.
  9. Infections: Some infections can weaken blood vessels.
  10. Polycystic Disease: Linked to aneurysms.
  11. Cocaine Use: Raises blood pressure.
  12. Age: Risk increases with age.
  13. Gender: More common in women.
  14. Race: Some ethnic groups are more prone.
  15. Coarctation of the : A heart condition.
  16. Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM): Abnormal blood vessel connections.
  17. Connective Tissue Disorders: Weaken blood vessels.
  18. Pregnancy: Hormonal changes can increase risk.
  19. Cerebral Venous : Blood clots in brain .
  20. Excessive Straining: Like during bowel movements.

Symptoms

  1. Sudden, severe (often described as “the worst ever”).
  2. Stiff neck.
  3. and .
  4. Sensitivity to light ().
  5. Blurred or .
  6. or .
  7. Seizures.
  8. or disorientation.
  9. Difficulty speaking or understanding speech.
  10. or on one side of the body.
  11. Trouble with balance or coordination.
  12. Ringing in the ears ().
  13. Difficulty swallowing.
  14. Changes in vision, including blind spots.
  15. or .
  16. .
  17. Low-grade .
  18. Change in personality or mood.
  19. Trouble staying awake.
  20. Coma (in severe cases).

Diagnostic Tests 

  1. : A quick way to spot bleeding in the brain.
  2. (): Analyzing cerebrospinal fluid for blood.
  3. : Offers detailed brain images.
  4. Angiography: Examines blood vessels for aneurysms or AVMs.
  5. Electroencephalogram (EEG): Measures brain activity.
  6. Blood Tests: To check for underlying causes.
  7. X-rays: Rarely used but can identify bone problems.
  8. Ultrasound: Can detect aneurysms in some cases.
  9. Visual Field Testing: Checks for vision problems.
  10. Doppler Ultrasound: Measures blood flow.
  11. Transcranial Doppler (TCD): Monitors blood flow in the brain.
  12. Cerebral Angiography: Detailed view of brain vessels.
  13. Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA): Scans blood vessels.
  14. Echocardiogram: Assesses heart function.
  15. Neurological Exam: Evaluates brain and nerve function.
  16. Cerebral Spinal Fluid Analysis: Tests for infections or bleeding.
  17. Ophthalmoscopy: Examines the retina.
  18. Positron Emission Tomography (PET): Shows brain activity.
  19. Neuropsychological Testing: Assesses cognitive function.
  20. Genetic Testing: Identifies inherited risk factors.

Treatments 

  1. Bed Rest: For mild cases and observation.
  2. Medications: Pain relievers, anti-nausea, and anti-seizure drugs.
  3. Blood Pressure Control: To prevent re-bleeding.
  4. Aneurysm Clipping: Surgical clipping of the aneurysm.
  5. Aneurysm Coiling: Using coils to block the aneurysm.
  6. Endovascular Coiling: Minimally invasive aneurysm treatment.
  7. Vasospasm Management: Medications to prevent blood vessel narrowing.
  8. Surgical Clipping of AVMs: Removing abnormal blood vessel connections.
  9. Craniotomy: Surgical removal of blood clots or AVMs.
  10. Ventriculostomy: Draining excess cerebrospinal fluid.
  11. Shunt Placement: Redirecting excess fluid.
  12. Triple-H Therapy: Raising blood pressure to improve brain blood flow.
  13. Hypothermia Therapy: Cooling the body to protect the brain.
  14. Pain Management: Controlling headache and discomfort.
  15. Antifibrinolytic Drugs: Reducing bleeding risk.
  16. Nimodipine: Prevents vasospasm.
  17. Rehabilitation: Physical, speech, and occupational therapy.
  18. Emotional Support: Counseling and therapy.
  19. Lifestyle Changes: Managing risk factors.
  20. Calcium Channel Blockers: Vasospasm prevention.
  21. Angioplasty: Opening narrowed blood vessels.
  22. Stent Placement: To keep vessels open.
  23. Anti-inflammatory Medications: For certain cases.
  24. Anticoagulants: To prevent clotting.
  25. Antiplatelet Drugs: Preventing blood clots.
  26. Steroids: Reducing inflammation.
  27. Anti-anxiety Medications: Managing stress.
  28. Anti-depressants: Addressing mood changes.
  29. Supportive Care: Treating complications.
  30. Home Care: Monitoring and recovery at home.

Drugs 

  1. Aspirin: Antiplatelet drug.
  2. Clopidogrel: Prevents blood clots.
  3. Heparin: Anticoagulant.
  4. Nimodipine: Prevents vasospasm.
  5. Morphine: Pain relief.
  6. Anti-seizure medications: To control seizures.
  7. Omeprazole: Reduces stomach acid.
  8. Labetalol: Blood pressure control.
  9. Dexamethasone: Reduces inflammation.
  10. Ondansetron: Anti-nausea.
  11. Phenylephrine: Raises blood pressure.
  12. Simvastatin: Cholesterol control.
  13. Midazolam: Sedative.
  14. Enoxaparin: Prevents blood clots.
  15. Furosemide: Reduces fluid buildup.
  16. Levetiracetam: Anti-seizure.
  17. Pantoprazole: Stomach protection.
  18. Metoclopramide: Anti-nausea.
  19. Fluoxetine: Antidepressant.
  20. Diazepam: Muscle relaxant.

Surgery 

  1. Aneurysm Clipping: Clipping off the weak blood vessel.
  2. Aneurysm Coiling: Blocking the aneurysm with coils.
  3. Endovascular Coiling: Minimally invasive aneurysm treatment.
  4. Surgical Clipping of AVMs: Removing abnormal vessel connections.
  5. Craniotomy: Surgical removal of blood clots or AVMs.
  6. Ventriculostomy: Draining excess cerebrospinal fluid.
  7. Shunt Placement: Redirecting excess fluid.
  8. Angioplasty: Opening narrowed blood vessels.
  9. Stent Placement: Keeping vessels open.
  10. Decompressive Craniectomy: Removing part of the skull to reduce pressure.

 

Disclaimer: Each person’s journey is unique, treatment plan, life style, food habit, hormonal condition, immune system, chronic disease condition, previous medical  history is also unique. So always seek the best advice from a qualified medical professional or health care provider before trying any treatments to ensure to find out the best plan for you. This guide is for general information and educational purposes only. If you or someone are suffering from this disease condition bookmark this website or share with someone who might find it useful! Boost your knowledge and stay ahead in your health journey. Thank you for giving your valuable time to read the article.

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  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549894/
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526002/
  4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538474/
  5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK53086/
  6. https://medlineplus.gov/skinconditions.html
  7. https://www.aad.org/about/burden-of-skin-disease
  8. https://www.usa.gov/federal-agencies/national-institute-of-arthritis-musculoskeletal-and-skin-diseases
  9. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/skin/default.html
  10. https://www.skincancer.org/
  11. https://illnesshacker.com/
  12. https://endinglines.com/
  13. https://www.jaad.org/
  14. https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/
  15. https://books.google.com/books?
  16. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/skin-diseases
  17. https://cms.centerwatch.com/directories/1067-fda-approved-drugs/topic/292-skin-infections-disorders
  18. https://www.fda.gov/files/drugs/published/Acute-Bacterial-Skin-and-Skin-Structure-Infections—Developing-Drugs-for-Treatment.pdf
  19. https://dermnetnz.org/topics
  20. https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-treatments/allergies/skin-allergy
  21. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/occupational-skin-disease
  22. https://aafa.org/allergies/allergy-symptoms/skin-allergies/
  23. https://www.nibib.nih.gov/
  24. https://rxharun.com/resources/category/resources/rxharun/article-types/skin-care-beauty/skin-diseases-types-symptoms-treatment/
  25. https://www.nei.nih.gov/
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  27. https://en.wikipedia.org/?title=List_of_skin_diseases&redirect=no
  28. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skin_condition
  29. https://oxfordtreatment.com/
  30. https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/
  31. https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/w
  32. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health
  33. https://catalog.ninds.nih.gov/
  34. https://www.aarda.org/diseaselist/
  35. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets
  36. https://www.nibib.nih.gov/
  37. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/topics
  38. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/
  39. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics
  40. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/
  41. https://www.niehs.nih.gov
  42. https://www.nimhd.nih.gov/
  43. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics
  44. https://obssr.od.nih.gov/
  45. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics
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  48. https://orwh.od.nih.gov/

 

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Safety note: This is not a prescription or diagnosis. For severe symptoms, pregnancy danger signs, children with serious illness, chest pain, breathing difficulty, stroke-like weakness, or major injury, seek urgent care.

Which doctor may help?

Start with a registered doctor or the nearest qualified health center.

What to tell the doctor

  • Write when the problem started and how it changed.
  • Bring old prescriptions, investigation reports, and current medicines.
  • Write allergies, pregnancy status, diabetes, kidney/liver disease, and major past illnesses.
  • Bring one family member if the patient is weak, elderly, confused, or a child.

Questions to ask

  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • Which danger signs mean I should go to hospital quickly?
  • Which tests are necessary now, and which can wait?
  • How should I take medicines safely and what side effects should I watch for?
  • When should I come for follow-up?

Tests to discuss

  • Vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturation
  • Basic physical examination by a clinician
  • CBC, urine test, blood sugar, or imaging only when clinically needed

Avoid these mistakes

  • Do not use antibiotics, steroid tablets/injections, or strong painkillers without proper medical advice.
  • Do not hide pregnancy, kidney disease, ulcer, allergy, or blood thinner use.
  • Do not delay emergency care when danger signs are present.

Medicine safety and first-aid guide

This section is for patient education only. It does not replace a doctor, pharmacist, or emergency care.

Safe first steps

  • Avoid heavy lifting, sudden bending, and prolonged bed rest.
  • Use comfortable posture and gentle movement as tolerated.
  • Discuss physiotherapy, X-ray, or MRI only when clinically needed.

OTC medicine safety

  • For mild back pain, pain-relief medicine may be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist.
  • Avoid repeated painkiller use if you have kidney disease, stomach ulcer, uncontrolled blood pressure, or are taking blood thinners.

Avoid these mistakes

  • Do not start antibiotics without a proper medical decision.
  • Do not use steroid tablets or injections casually for quick relief.
  • Do not delay emergency care because of home remedies.

Get urgent help if

  • Back pain with leg weakness, numbness around private area, loss of urine/stool control, fever, cancer history, or major injury needs urgent care.
Medicine names, dose, and timing must be decided by a qualified clinician or pharmacist after checking age, pregnancy, allergy, other diseases, and current medicines.

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Patient health record and symptom diary

Write your symptoms, medicines already taken, test results, and questions before visiting a doctor. This note stays on your device unless you print or copy it.

Doctor to discuss: Orthopedic / spine specialist, physical medicine doctor, or qualified clinician
Tests to discuss with doctor
  • Neurological examination for leg power, sensation, reflexes, and straight leg raise
  • X-ray only if injury, deformity, long-lasting pain, or doctor suspects bone problem
  • MRI discussion if severe nerve symptoms, weakness, bladder/bowel problem, or persistent symptoms
Questions to ask
  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • Which warning signs mean I should go to emergency care?
  • Which tests are really needed now?
  • Which medicines are safe for my age, pregnancy status, allergy, kidney/liver/stomach condition, and current medicines?
  • Is physiotherapy, posture correction, or activity modification needed?

Emergency warning signs such as chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, sudden weakness, confusion, severe dehydration, major injury, or loss of bladder/bowel control need urgent medical care. Do not wait for online information.

Safe pathway to proper treatment

Care roadmap for: Spontaneous Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Posterior Cerebral Artery Strokes

Use this simple roadmap to understand the next safe steps. It is educational and does not replace examination by a doctor.

Go to emergency care if you notice:
  • Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms
  • Breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, major injury, or severe dehydration
Doctor / service to discuss: Qualified healthcare provider; specialist depends on symptoms and examination.
  1. Step 1

    Check danger signs first

    If danger signs are present, seek emergency care and do not wait for online information.

  2. Step 2

    Record the symptom story

    Write when symptoms started, severity, medicines already taken, allergies, pregnancy status, and test results.

  3. Step 3

    Visit a qualified clinician

    A doctor, nurse, or qualified healthcare provider can examine you and decide which tests or treatment are needed.

  4. Step 4

    Do only useful tests

    Do tests after clinical assessment. Avoid unnecessary tests, random antibiotics, or repeated medicines without diagnosis.

  5. Step 5

    Follow up and return early if worse

    If symptoms worsen, new warning signs appear, or treatment is not helping, return for review quickly.

Rural patient practical tips
  • Take a written symptom diary and all previous prescriptions/test reports.
  • Do not hide medicines already taken, even herbal or over-the-counter medicines.
  • Ask which warning signs mean urgent referral to hospital.

This roadmap is for education. A real diagnosis and treatment plan requires history, examination, and clinical judgment.