Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Causes, Risks, and What You Need to Know

When a blood vessel bursts near the surface of the brain, it can cause a subarachnoid hemorrhage, a type of stroke caused by bleeding into the space between the brain and the thin tissues covering it. Also known as a brain bleed, this isn’t just any headache—it’s a medical emergency that needs immediate care. About 30% of people who suffer one don’t make it past the first day. Those who survive often face long-term recovery, and knowing what led to it can help prevent another.

Most subarachnoid hemorrhages happen because of a ruptured aneurysm, a weak, bulging spot in a brain artery that can burst under pressure. These aren’t always obvious until they explode. Some people have family history, high blood pressure, or smoke—risk factors that quietly increase the chance. Others have no warning at all. A sudden, severe headache—often described as the worst headache of your life—is the classic sign. Nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, or loss of consciousness can follow fast.

What happens after the bleed? It’s not just about stopping the bleeding. The blood irritates the brain, can cause swelling, and sometimes triggers stroke, a secondary injury from reduced blood flow or vessel spasms. Doctors act fast: imaging scans like CTs find the bleed, and angiograms track the source. Treatment might mean neurosurgery—either clipping the aneurysm or using a coil to block it from inside. Medications help control blood pressure, prevent seizures, and reduce brain swelling.

You won’t find miracle cures here, but you will find real advice from people who’ve been through it—how to manage recovery, what drugs help with headaches or mood changes, and how to spot warning signs before another bleed. Some posts cover how to safely switch medications after a hemorrhage. Others explain how surgery options compare, or what lifestyle changes actually make a difference. This isn’t theory. It’s what works for real patients, caregivers, and doctors.

Whether you’re asking because you or someone you know had a bleed, or you’re just trying to understand the risks, this collection gives you the facts without the fluff. No jargon. No scare tactics. Just clear, practical info to help you ask the right questions and make smarter choices.