Subarachnoid Hemorrhagic Anterior Spinal Arteries Stroke

Subarachnoid hemorrhagic anterior spinal arteries stroke, often referred to as SAHAS, is a medical condition that affects the spinal cord. This article will provide simple, plain English explanations for various aspects of SAHAS to make it easier for everyone to understand.

Types of SAHAS:

  1. Ischemic SAHAS: This type occurs when the blood flow to the anterior spinal arteries is reduced or blocked, leading to damage in the spinal cord.
  2. Hemorrhagic SAHAS: This type results from the rupture of blood vessels in the spinal cord, causing bleeding in the subarachnoid space around the spinal cord.

Causes of SAHAS:

SAHAS can be caused by various factors, including:

  1. Trauma: Injuries to the spine or surrounding blood vessels can lead to SAHAS.
  2. Aneurysms: Weak spots in blood vessel walls can burst and cause SAHAS.
  3. High Blood Pressure: Uncontrolled hypertension can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of SAHAS.
  4. Blood Clots: Clots can block blood flow to the spinal arteries, causing ischemic SAHAS.
  5. Arterial Dissection: Tear in the artery wall can disrupt blood flow and lead to SAHAS.
  6. Vascular Malformations: Abnormalities in blood vessels can make them prone to bleeding.
  7. Tumors: Spinal tumors may compress blood vessels, triggering SAHAS.
  8. Drug Abuse: Certain drugs, like cocaine, can raise blood pressure and increase SAHAS risk.
  9. Infections: Infections affecting the spinal cord or blood vessels can contribute to SAHAS.
  10. Genetic Factors: Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to SAHAS.

Symptoms of SAHAS:

Recognizing the signs of SAHAS is crucial for timely treatment. Common symptoms include:

  1. Severe Back Pain: Sudden, intense pain in the back or neck.
  2. Muscle Weakness: Weakness or paralysis in the limbs.
  3. Numbness or Tingling: Loss of sensation or tingling in the arms or legs.
  4. Difficulty Walking: Problems with balance and coordination.
  5. Loss of Bladder or Bowel Control: Inability to control urination or bowel movements.
  6. Headache: Severe, sudden headaches are common with SAHAS.
  7. Vision Problems: Blurred or double vision.
  8. Difficulty Speaking: Slurred speech or difficulty articulating words.
  9. Loss of Consciousness: Fainting or blacking out.
  10. Neck Stiffness: Stiff neck and sensitivity to light (photophobia).

Diagnosis of SAHAS:

Doctors use various tests to diagnose SAHAS, including:

  1. CT Scan: This imaging test can identify bleeding or other abnormalities in the spinal cord.
  2. MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging provides detailed images of the spinal cord and blood vessels.
  3. Lumbar Puncture: A sample of cerebrospinal fluid is analyzed for signs of bleeding or infection.
  4. Angiography: Dye is injected into blood vessels, allowing doctors to visualize blood flow and identify blockages or abnormalities.
  5. Blood Tests: To check for conditions that may contribute to SAHAS, such as high blood pressure or clotting disorders.

Treatments for SAHAS:

Treating SAHAS promptly is essential to prevent further damage. Common treatments include:

  1. Medications: To control blood pressure and prevent clot formation.
  2. Surgery: To repair damaged blood vessels, remove clots, or treat aneurysms.
  3. Endovascular Procedures: Minimally invasive techniques to repair blood vessels, such as coiling or stenting.
  4. Physical Therapy: To help patients regain strength and mobility.
  5. Pain Management: Medications and therapies to alleviate pain.
  6. Rehabilitation: Comprehensive programs to improve functioning and quality of life.
  7. Lifestyle Changes: Managing risk factors like hypertension and drug use.
  8. Supportive Care: Assisting with daily activities if there is significant disability.

Drugs Used in SAHAS Treatment:

Doctors may prescribe several medications for SAHAS patients, including:

  1. Antihypertensives: To control high blood pressure.
  2. Anticoagulants: To prevent blood clots.
  3. Analgesics: Pain relievers for headache and back pain.
  4. Muscle Relaxants: To alleviate muscle spasms.
  5. Antiemetics: Medications to control nausea and vomiting.

Surgery for SAHAS:

Surgical options for SAHAS include:

  1. Clipping Aneurysms: A surgeon places a clip on the aneurysm to prevent rupture.
  2. Endovascular Coiling: Inserting coils into an aneurysm to block blood flow.
  3. Decompressive Surgery: Removing bone or tissue to relieve pressure on the spinal cord.
  4. Vascular Repair: Repairing damaged blood vessels to restore blood flow.

Conclusion:

Subarachnoid hemorrhagic anterior spinal arteries stroke is a complex medical condition, but understanding its types, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatments, drugs, and surgery is essential. Timely recognition and appropriate intervention can greatly improve the outcomes for individuals affected by SAHAS. If you or someone you know experiences symptoms of SAHAS, seek medical attention immediately to receive the necessary care and support.

 

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.

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532297/
  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/rxharun/rxharun/article-types/skin-care-beauty/skin-diseases-types-symptoms-treatment/
  25. https://www.nei.nih.gov/
  26. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_skin_conditions
  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
  46. https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases
  47. https://beta.rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases
  48. https://orwh.od.nih.gov/

References