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Recovering from a sub-arachnoid haemorrhage
A guide for patients and carers
Headaches
Headaches following your discharge from hospital are common and can ease in time. They tend not to be as severe as when you had your haemorrhage and can often be controlled with pain killers such as paracetamol and codeine. They can become worse when you are tired; again, this is your body’s way of telling you to slow down. It is important that you drink plenty of fluid throughout the day, at least two to three litres, as this helps the blood circulation in the brain and prevents dehydration. Caffeine-based drinks such as cola, coffee and alcohol can dehydrate the brain and therefore increase headaches. Try to avoid such drinks or at least cut down for the first three to six months of your recovery.
It is also important to avoid things that put too much strain on your body, such as becoming constipated or lifting heavy weights, as these can increase the pressure in the brain and therefore cause headaches. Sex presents no risks; however, women are advised to avoid pregnancy for the first six months after the haemorrhage.
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Contents
- Introduction
- Recovery following a sub-arachnoid haemorrhage
- What do the main parts of the brain do?
- Tiredness and restlessness
- Headaches
- Unusual sensations
- Loss of movement and/or feeling
- Senses
- Sight
- Smell and taste
- Speech
- Memory
- Feelings and worries
- Emotions
- For friends and family
- Getting back to normal
- Further reading
