When a blood vessel just outside the brain bursts, the space surrounding the brain (the subarachnoid space) fills with blood. This condition is called subarachnoid hemorrhage, and is usually due to an aneurysm. This bleeding may irritate nearby blood vessels that can become very narrow, a condition known as cerebral vasospasm. This vasospasm can starve the brain of oxygen, and therefore damage parts of the brain similar to a stroke. Cerebral vasospasm is a delayed event after an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, with a usual peak from days 7 to 9 after a bleed. It usually affects the large arteries near the ruptured aneurysm.

Departments and Programs Who Treat This Condition

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Stroke and Cerebrovascular Center

BMC’s Stroke and Cerebrovascular Center is proud to be certified as a Comprehensive Stroke Center by the Joint Commission, which recognizes our ability to treat complex strokes. O…
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Neurology

The Neurology Department offers a full spectrum of neurological care for all neurological disorders, from epilepsy to headaches to Alzheimer’s disease. Our robust research program…