Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
When a hemorrhage occurs in the subarachnoid space, the area between your brain and the tissue that covers it, the consequences may be deadly. This space is filled with cerebrospinal fluid that acts as the cushion to keep the brain from jarring against the skull. This cushion is no match for the force of impact of a car crash and the trauma can cause bleeding around the brain.
Symptoms
Immediate medical attention is needed if you suffer this type of injury to reduce potential permanent damage and decrease the risk of death. Some of the symptoms you may experience include:
- Loss of consciousness
- Double vision
- Nausea and vomiting
- Severe head pain, worse than any headache or migraine
- Difficulty speaking
- Confusion
- Seizures
- Stiffness in the neck
- Light sensitivity
As blood builds and increases around the brain you may experience:
- Pain around the eyes
- Vision changes
- Dilated pupils
- Numbness or weakness on one side of the body
- Loss of hearing
- Difficulty keeping your balance
- Memory problems
These symptoms indicate a medical emergency and immediate treatment is necessary to reduce the chance death. The bleeding must be stopped, or permanent brain damage may occur. Physicians may need to perform surgery to stem the bleed, though unfortunately, it is not always enough. The chances of survival increase the sooner medical treatment is received.
Complications
Despite your physician’s best efforts you may still experience severe complications that may include:
- Swelling in the brain, also called hydrocephalus
- Irritation and damage other blood vessels in the brain, restricting blood flow
- Stroke
- Permanent brain damage
- Paralysis
- Coma
Getting Help
It is essential that you receive a thorough medical evaluation if you are in a serious accident, even if you don’t think you are hurt. Follow your doctor’s orders, including attending all follow-up appointments. When the insurance company tries to contact you about injury compensation, send them to us. We will fight to ensure that you get the maximum compensation you deserve for all damages and losses you suffered so you can focus on your recovery and your future.