Head CT. Subarachnoid hemorrhage fills the basilar cisterns (the "star sign") but the ventricular system does NOT contain hemorrhage.
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Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Subarachnoid hemorrhage is bleeding into the subarachnoid space. Trauma is the most common cause. Cerebral artery aneurysm is the most common non-traumatic cause.
Aneurysmal rupture typically presents with thunderclap headache and focal neurological deficit, and has an all-cause mortality of roughly 50% at 6 months.
Modifiable Risk Factors for Cerebral Aneurysm:
- Hypertension
- Tobacco Abuse
- Hyperlipidemia
- Increased Intracranial Pressure -> Brain Herniation -> Death
- Cerebral Vasospasm
- Obstructive Hydrocephalus