Epidemiological and Clinical Characteristics of Non-Traumatic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is associated with high mortality and morbidity. Considering geographical differences in reported epidemiology and lack of data in Isfahan, the aim of the present study was to assess the natural history of non-traumatic SAH.

In a retrospective study, we reviewed the medical records of all patients who were hospitalized by the definite diagnosis of non-traumatic SAH in Alzahra and Kashani Hospitals (Isfahan, Iran) during 2011-12. A questionnaire containing validated items about demographic, clinical, and epidemiological variables was used to collect data.

A total of 190 cases of non-traumatic SAH were identified. Half of the patients were female. History of vomiting, headaches, and loss of consciousness were the most frequent warning symptoms in 47.4%, 18.9%, and 15.8% of the patients, respectively. The most frequent risk factors were hypertension (43.7%), smoking (19.5%) and diabetes (9.5%). The mortality rate was 34.7% and only 4.7% of survivors were discharged while requiring assistance with activities of daily living.

Treatment of hypertension and diabetes together with cessation of smoking can reduce the risk of SAH.