Subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) results from leakage of blood into the subarachnoid space and carries high morbidity and mortality. However, there is limited understanding to date, of the risk factors, cellular, intermediate biochemical and genetic traits predisposing to SAH. Nevertheless, in conjunction with improved methods of diagnostic imaging and less invasive approaches to preventing aneur...

AIM To assess the diagnostic value of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) spectrophotometry, cytology, ferritin, and D-dimer measurements in the investigation of suspected subarachnoid haemorrhage in patients with negative or equivocal computed tomography (CT) scans. METHODS CSF specimens submitted for assessment of xanthochromia were examined for erythrophages using a cytospin preparation stained with...

OBJECTIVE To study whether meningeal collagen synthesis under normal conditions is reflected in the CSF and whether a meningeal fibroproliferative reaction or fibrosis after subarachnoid haemorrhage can be detected by measuring markers of collagen synthesis in the CSF. METHODS Serum samples and CSF were collected from 56 patients with various neurological symptoms and from nine patients with ...

The use of vertebral angiography in the investigation of subarachnoid haemorrhage has enabled the presence of posterior fossa aneurysms to be detected during life. The clinical and radiological localization of aneurysms in this site is now of importance, for with modem neurosurgical techniques, including hypothermia, a number of these lesions are operable. Certain anatomical features which will...

It has been known for decades that suppression of spontaneous scalp electroencephalographic activity occurs during ischaemia. Trend analysis for such suppression was found useful for intraoperative monitoring during carotid endarterectomy, or as a screening tool to detect delayed cerebral ischaemia after aneurismal subarachnoid haemorrhage. Nevertheless, pathogenesis of such suppression of acti...

PRINCIPLES Despite many reports investigating the relationship of subarachnoid haemorrhage and seasonal variation in different parts of the world, there is no clear correlation. As far as we know this subject has not been reported from Istanbul yet. The purpose of this study is to determine if there is any correlation between season and spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) caused by intra...

cation between doctors and patients. J R Coll Physicians Lond 1997;31: 258-9. 8 Meryn S. Improving doctor-patient communication. BMJ 1998;316:1922. 9 Coiera E, Tombs V. Communication behaviours in a hospital setting: an observational study. BMJ 1998;316:673-6. 10 Neil-Dwyer N, Lang D. Brain attack—aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage: death due to delayed diagnosis. J R Coll Physicians Lond 1997...

Subarachnoid haemorrhage is a life-threatening event that presents with a number of discrete signs and symptoms making diagnosis problematic. A delay in diagnosis signifi cantly increases morbidity and mortality and therefore places vulnerable patients at risk. Advanced nursing assessment and management is imperative to promote optimum patient outcomes and therefore decrease morbidity and morta...