The aim of medical management of a patient with a recently ruptured intracranial aneurysm is to preserve residual brain function and prevent systemic complications. Surgery should be performed as soon as the patient is in good neurological condition. Most fatalities result from the destructive effects of the initial hemorrhage, but delayed ischemic neurologic deficit can result from vasospasm and rebleeding. Systemic complications of the brain damaged state result in a smaller proportion of deaths. Common medical problems are reviewed as well as their medical management. In particular, some special problems related to subarachnoid hemorrhage such as cerebral edema and herniations, rebleeding, and vasospasm are also considered. Major recent advances have been the introduction of antifibrinolytic therapy, the realization of the importance of maintaining blood volume and pressure, as well as general advances in respiratory care. © 1979, Canadian Neurological Sciences Federation. All rights reserved.
