Vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage can lead to which complication?

Vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage can lead to which complication?

• A. Seizures
• B. Delayed cerebral ischemia
• C. Hydrocephalus
• D. Rebleeding

Answer: (B)

Vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage narrows cerebral arteries and reduces blood flow to brain tissue, leading to delayed cerebral ischemia. This progressive shortage of perfusion typically occurs days after the bleed and can cause new or worsening neurologic deficits as brain tissue becomes ischemic. Seizures, hydrocephalus, and rebleeding can occur after SAH for other reasons, but they are not the outcome specifically caused by vasospasm. Delayed cerebral ischemia is the complication most directly tied to vasospasm.

Vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage narrows cerebral arteries and reduces blood flow to brain tissue, leading to delayed cerebral ischemia. This progressive shortage of perfusion typically occurs days after the bleed and can cause new or worsening neurologic deficits as brain tissue becomes ischemic. Seizures, hydrocephalus, and rebleeding can occur after SAH for other reasons, but they are not the outcome specifically caused by vasospasm. Delayed cerebral ischemia is the complication most directly tied to vasospasm.