A Case Report of a Sudden Death after Recovery from a Non-Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Background and Objective: Nonaneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (NASAH) represents a rare type of hemorrhage that indicates blood in the space between the arachnoid and the pia mater around the brain. This condition accounts for 0.3-0.5 cases per 100,000 persons. The objective of this study is to report a case of NASAH patient. Materials and Methods: A seventy-three-year-old female patient was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU)-due to a sudden severe headache and lower limb weakness, followed by unconsciousness with no history of diagnosed clinical condition. Results: The clinical examination indicated severe uncontrolled hypertension and the conventional Computerized Tomography (C.T.) brain images showed diffuse Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH). The onset was treated by empiric therapy, monitoring the invasive blood pressure (B.P. and using nimodipine). The patient became conscious and well-recovered after 2 weeks of the ICU admission and another non-contrast brain C.T. after the recovery showed unremarkable findings. The patient was discharged from the hospital and directed to use an antihypertensive drug and come back after two weeks for follow-up. Unfortunately, four days later after the discharge, the patient suddenly died. Conclusion: Computerized tomography is a valuable method for diagnosing NASAH. Nimodipine was the optimum treatment for this patient besides the empiric therapy. Careful diagnosis and adequate treatment of NASAH are advisable to avoid severe complications.