Subarachnoid haemorrhage

Are you looking for information about subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH)? This page is the place to start.

We have a patient information booklet and related fact sheets, plus stories by SAH patients on how SAH affected them. And you can also browse the SAH discussion forum or post a message of your own.

Subarachnoid haemorrhage booklet, and related resources


Our booklet provides information on subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH).

It provides information on the acute stage of SAH, describing the condition, what happens in hospital, tests and investigations, and possible treatments.

It also provides information on recovery from SAH, common symptoms and feelings, and returning to everyday activities.


Here is some related information you might also be interested in:


Possible treatments



News stories related to subarachnoid haemorrhage



Patient perspectives on subarachnoid haemorrhage

Catriona's story


Doctors said that by rights Catriona shouldn't have survived her subarachnoid haemorrhage. She describes the experience and how it has affected her.

Subarachnoid haemorrhage and seizures


Seven months after Julie's subarachnoid haemorrhage, she began experiencing seizures. Two years on, her seizures seem to have got worse rather than better, but despite this, life is good.

Pam's subarachnoid haemorrhage story


Pam woke in the night with a knife-like pain in her head. After heading downstairs to make a drink, her next memory is of being driven home from the hospital 4 weeks later! In her story she describes how her husband, Ray, has looked after her and helped her to recover.

Erin's AVM and SAH story: one year on


Erin's story is written exactly a year after the craniotomy she had to remove an AVM in June 2010. Sadly she suffered a subarachnoid haemorrhage during the surgery, and here she describes the rehabilitation she has undergone, and how her life is different now.

Subarachnoid haemorrhage and how it affected me: Ann-Marie's story


Ann-Marie lists some of the things that have changed for her since her SAH in 2007. She would be happy to hear from others who have had a SAH - click to find out how you can get in touch.

Brain haemorrhage and AVM: Jill's story


After Jill had a brain haemorrhage, which was caused by an AVM, she found it difficult to take in her situation. In this account she describes some of the things she found helpful.

Subarachnoid haemorrhage: my journey, by Kevin Toach

Kevin Toach experienced one subarachnoid haemorrhage without realising what it was, before having a second bleed ten days later. Here he tells his story and describes his recovery.

Subarachnoid haemorrhage: a recent survivor

Jen had a subarachnoid haemorrhage in February 2010. Telling her story a few months later, she describes what she remembers of the SAH itself, her time in hospital, and what it's like to be back at home again.

Life after subarachnoid haemorrhage

Yvonne McQueen had a subarachnoid haemorrhage in 1992. Following a coiling operation and two craniotomies she got through it, and says "There is life after your brain has been fiddled with!"

Lightning never strikes twice: my two subarachnoid haemorrhages


Jane Woods had a subarachnoid haemorrhage in 1992, describing it as "the most horrendous headache I have ever experienced". Eighteen years on, when a thumping headache came on at work, she instantly knew what had happened - she had had another SAH.

An anonymous story

"Thanks to the wonderful staff and surgeons at the neuro unit, I have over the years made a full recovery and for the last five years have been back at work full time and living a normal life."

Patient perspectives on brain aneurysms


You might also be interested in reading patient perspective stories from people with unruptured brain aneurysms.

Subarachnoid haemorrhage discussion forum


Discuss your own experiences, talk to others and post questions for our neuroscience nurses who moderate the forum.

Need more information?


Call our free helpline on 0808 808 1000 to speak to a neuroscience nurse, or email helpline@brainandspine.org.uk

Or click to find out more about our helpline

Useful websites


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