Neurocritical care in aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage: The evidence-based approach

INTRODUCTION

Subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) is a devastating though relatively uncommon type of stroke with high morbidity, mortality and economic impact. Occurring with an incidence between 2 and 22/100,000 persons/year with regional variation, SAH accounts for about 5% of all strokes. In the United States, the incidence is about 10/100,000 persons/year.[1] Modern 30 days mortality is as high as 40%, and about 50% of survivors suffer from permanent disability. Care at high volume centres with dedicated Neurointensive Care Units is recommended, although sub-specialty expertise may be more important than clinical volume. This article will focus on selected points of management of these critically ill patients with an emphasis on the newest understanding and care recommendations relevant to anaesthesiologists and neuro-intensivists.

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