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Subarachnoid haemorrhage

A subarachnoid haemorrhage is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition. It happens when an artery close to the brain surface ruptures.  Blood leaks out into the space between the membranes that cover the brain and spinal chord.

It is a very rare condition (there are less than 10,000 in the UK every year) although it is always serious and needs urgent medical attention.  Most people affected are between the ages of 35 and 65.  However, it is not possible to tell who is at risk of a subarachnoid haemorrhage.

There are three membranes that cover the brain and spinal chord.  Together they are known as the Meninges.  They are: Pia mater (inner membrane), Arachnoid mater (middle membrane), and Dura mater (outer membrane).

Between the inner membrane and the middle membrane is a network of blood vessels which are surrounded by a clear fluid (known as cerebrospinal fluid). In a subarachnoid haemorrhage, one of these blood vessels bursts and blood leaks out into the cerebrospinal fluid.

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