Subarachnoid hemorrhages are life-threatening and result from the accumulation of blood between the arachnoid and pia mater. The incidence of subarachnoid hemorrhage in the United States is between 10 to 14 out of 100,000 individuals per year. Although presentations may vary, the characteristic presenting symptom is the thunderclap headache, which patients may describe as the “worst headache of my life.” This should prompt further imaging. The headache often is associated with nausea, vomiting, and diplopia. Quite often signs of meningismus are present due to the spread of blood into the fourth ventricle and further down the spinal cord, irritating nerves and causing neck and back pain. Cranial nerve deficits can occur. Practitioners should perform a detailed exam. The presence of focal deficit increases the grade of subarachnoid hemorrhage and changes the perspective of post-event recovery. Patients with a high-grade subarachnoid hemorrhage quite often present in a state of coma that calls for a quick evaluation and urgent treatment, as the coma can be reversible. In addition to subarachnoid hemorrhage patients may have a concurrent intraocular hemorrhage, known as Terson syndrome. When Terson syndrome is present, an ophthalmology service should be consulted to help with the care of the patient. Eighty percent of patients that develop Terson syndrome require regular follow-up visits but do not require further intervention. This activity reviews the evaluation and management of subarachnoid hemorrhages and highlights the essential role of the interprofessional team in caring for those with this grave condition.
- Provider:StatPearls, LLC
- Activity Link: https://www.statpearls.com/ArticleLibrary/viewarticle/29607
- Start Date: 2023-09-01 05:00:00
- End Date: 2023-09-01 05:00:00
- Credit Details: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™️: 2.0 hours
Nursing: 2.0 hours
Pharmacy: 2.0 hours - MOC Credit Details: ABS - 2.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Accredited CME (ABS)
ABPATH - 2.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning (ABPATH)
ABA - 2.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning (ABA)
ABIM - 2.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Medical Knowledge (ABIM)
ABS - 2.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Self-Assessment (ABS)
ABP - 2.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning and Self-Assessment (ABP) - Commercial Support: No
- Activity Type: Enduring Material
- CME Finder Type: Online Learning
- Fee to Participate: Variable
- Measured Outcome: Learner Knowledge, Learner/Team Competence
- Provider Ship: Directly Provided
- Registration: Open to all
- Specialty: All Practice Areas (e.g. ethics), Critical Care Medicine, General Pediatrics, Geriatric Medicine, Hospice & Palliative Medicine, Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Hospital Medicine, Internal Medicine, Neuro Anesthesia, Neurocritical Care, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Pediatric Neurology, Trauma