What is the mortality rate associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage?

What is the mortality rate associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage?

• A. 20%
• B. 40%
• C. 60%
• D. 80%

Answer: (B)

Subarachnoid hemorrhage carries a high mortality because rupture of an intracranial aneurysm can cause sudden, life-threatening bleeding with rapid brain injury and a real risk of early rebleeding if the aneurysm isn’t secured promptly. The figure commonly cited for mortality in this condition is about forty percent, which is why this option is the best choice. Even with rapid diagnosis and definitive treatment to secure the aneurysm (surgical clipping or endovascular coiling), a substantial number of patients die or are left with significant neurological deficits. This contrast with lower or much higher percentages helps explain why around forty percent is the typical mortality estimate in many clinical contexts.

Subarachnoid hemorrhage carries a high mortality because rupture of an intracranial aneurysm can cause sudden, life-threatening bleeding with rapid brain injury and a real risk of early rebleeding if the aneurysm isn’t secured promptly. The figure commonly cited for mortality in this condition is about forty percent, which is why this option is the best choice. Even with rapid diagnosis and definitive treatment to secure the aneurysm (surgical clipping or endovascular coiling), a substantial number of patients die or are left with significant neurological deficits. This contrast with lower or much higher percentages helps explain why around forty percent is the typical mortality estimate in many clinical contexts.