Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Subarachnoid hemorrhage is bleeding in the area between the brain and the thin tissues that cover it. It can be caused by different blood vessel problems that leak or burst like an arterio-venous malformation or A-V-M (which is an abnormal cluster of blood vessels) or more commonly an aneurysm. Subarachnoid hemorrhage due to rupture of a cerebral aneurysm is most common in people age 20 to 60. Acute head injury can also cause subarachnoid hemorrhage, especially if you're on blood thinners. High blood pressure and diabetes can also increase the risk of subarachnoid hemorrhage because of the damage they do to blood vessels.

The main symptom of subarachnoid hemorrhage is a severe headache. Often it's described as the worst headache of your life and unlike any headache you've ever had. This headache is typically sudden and worse near the back of the head. You can also develop stroke like symptoms like sudden or decreased consciousness and alertness, decreased movement or sensation, confusion and irritability, nausea and vomiting, visual problems and seizures.

If you're truly having the worst headache of your life along with any of the other symptoms you should call 911 and get to the emergency room.

Read the full story: "Bret Michaels Still in ICU After Brain Hemorrhage."