Subarachnoid haemorrhage

A guide for patients and carers

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Other treatments

Medication

The following are the most common medications prescribed during and after a haemorrhage:

Nimodipine

Nimodipine is a drug used to reduce the risk of stroke related to spasm (sudden contraction) of the blood vessels. It is used for three weeks after the haemorrhage.

Pain relief

In the acute stage, it is common to use strong opiate-based painkillers like morphine. Other pain-killers like paracetamol are used for headaches, as needed. Stronger pain-killers like pethidine are avoided because they are also sedatives (calming drugs) and are not recommended after SAHs.

Anti-epilepsy drugs

Anti-epilepsy drugs might be used to control seizures. Some people might only need to take them for a few months, but some people need them for life. It is important not to forget to take this medication. As your memory might not be reliable in the first few
months after the haemorrhage, it can be helpful to use a special reminder pill box which shows you when your pills should be taken.

High blood pressure medication

If you have high blood pressure, you might need drugs to lower it. Because having high blood pressure is known to increase the risk of haemorrhages, it is important that your blood pressure is monitored and controlled. When you return home, you should have regular blood pressure checks with your GP.

Diet, nutrition, fluids

It is important to maintain a healthy diet so that your body is getting the nutrition it needs for strength and recovery. It is also very important to keep up your fluid intake and prevent dehydration.

You should aim to drink two to three litres each day. A healthy diet and plenty of fluids will also help prevent you becoming constipated which can cause a strain on the body.

Why is another patient having different treatment to me?

Because each person is affected differently. Each SAH affects different areas of the brain and differs in severity. Treatments vary for each individual.