ABSTRACT
Intracranial aneurysms typically occur in 1–2% of the population and aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage remains a morbid and lethal condition. Atraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage is caused by the rupture of an intracranial aneurysm in 80% of cases. Surgical clipping involves placing a titanium clip across the neck of the aneurysm while preserving blood flow through the parent artery and adjacent vessels. This is done with the use of the operating microscope to open the subarachnoid space around the cerebral arteries and carefully mobilize the brain parenchymal without causing injury. Endovascular coiling is preferred compared to neurosurgical clipping in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients who are considered equally suitable for both treatment options. Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage classically presents with a severe, acute onset headache, often described as “the worst headache of life”. The initial management of the aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage is directed at reversing or stabilizing acute life-threatening sequelae, particularly in the case of comatose patients.
