Vascular Neurosurgery (Aneurysm) and Neurocritical Care

Aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH) is a life threatening neurological condition and is associated with significantly high morbidity and mortality. Smoking and hypertension are the modifiable risk factors associated with aSAH. Cerebral vasospasm and delayed cerebral ischemia have multifactorial pathophysiological mechanisms and are major contributing factors for poor outcome. Other notable systemic complications include neurogenic stunned myocardium, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and dyselectrolytemias. Strategies to improve outcome include securing the aneurysm timely, prevention of rebleeding and instituting meticulous neurocritical care management of neurologic and systemic complications. Studies have reported unfavourable effects of aSAH on cognitive recovery, mood disorders and overall quality of life.