Subarachnoid Haemorrhage

1 medicine

Subarachnoid haemorrhage is a sudden bleed into the space surrounding the brain, most often from a ruptured aneurysm, and is a life-threatening emergency.

Nimotop

Nimodipine

30mg

Nimotop is a heart blood pressure medication containing Nimodipine, available as 30mg tablets.

from $1.01 / tablet View

Key facts

  • A subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) is bleeding into the fluid-filled space between the brain and the surrounding membranes, most often from a ruptured aneurysm.
  • The hallmark symptom is a "thunderclap headache", severe pain that peaks within seconds, often the worst headache of a person's life, along with vomiting, neck stiffness, and light sensitivity.
  • Nimodipine, a calcium channel blocker, is given routinely afterward to relax blood vessels and lower the risk of a further stroke.
  • Any sudden, severe headache unlike previous headaches needs emergency assessment immediately.

What happens in a subarachnoid haemorrhage

A subarachnoid haemorrhage is bleeding into the subarachnoid space, the fluid-filled gap between the brain and the membranes that surround it. It strikes suddenly, most often when an aneurysm ruptures, and is a medical emergency requiring immediate hospital treatment.

Recognising the warning signs

The classic warning is a thunderclap headache, an intensely severe head pain that peaks within seconds and is often described as the worst headache of a person's life. It may come with vomiting, neck stiffness, sensitivity to light, and sometimes a brief loss of consciousness. These symptoms should never be dismissed or treated at home.

How treatment protects the brain afterward

After the initial bleed, the main danger is delayed cerebral ischaemia: blood products in the subarachnoid fluid trigger spasm in nearby arteries, reducing blood flow and risking further brain injury in the days that follow. Nimodipine, a calcium channel blocker from the heart and blood pressure drug class, is given routinely in hospital to relax those spasming vessels and reduce the risk of stroke during this critical window.

When to seek emergency care

Any sudden, severe headache that feels unlike previous headaches demands emergency assessment immediately. Do not wait to see if it passes, call emergency services straight away.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.