Brain Injury from Subarachnoid Haemorrhage

When subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) occurs, usually without warning, fast action is needed to admit the sufferer to hospital for live-saving surgery. National guidelines set an accepted deadline of 48 hours from incident to surgery. Delays lead to severe brain damage, disability and death.

Effects of brain injury from a subarachnoid haemorrhage

A subarachnoid haemorrhage causes damage to the brain, both from the dramatic reduction in blood supply (and oxygen) which follows the rupture of a blood vessel and from the pressure on the brain caused by the aneurysm or tumour which caused the haemorrhage and the bleeding into the subarachnoid space.

A patient with SAH remains at risk of further complications following their initial haemorrhage:

• Rebleeding can occur soon after the first haemorrhage when the healed aneurysm ruptures again, exposing the patient to a high risk of permanent disability or death. This complication can be prevented by surgical repair to the aneurysm immediately after the first SAH.
   
• Cerebral ischaemia from vasospasm - narrowing of the blood vessels in spasm - reduces the  blood supply to the brain, leading to increasing drowsiness and coma. The risk of secondary cerebral ischaemia can be reduced by medication given after the initial SAH.
   
• Hydrocephalus - a build-up of fluid on the brain – can cause brain damage from increased intra-cranial pressure. Patients with hydrocephalus may experience headaches, vomiting, blurred vision and difficulty walking. Hydrocephalus is common after SAH has disrupted the production and drainage of CSF and may need treatment with a lumbar puncture or the temporary insertion of a shunt to facilitate drainage of the excess fluid from the brain. 

Patients who survive a subarachnoid haemorrhage may be left with long term effects from the damage to their brain. Depending on the severity and location within the brain of their SAH, they may have:

• epilepsy (in 5% of SAH survivors )
• cognitive dysfunction causing difficulties with memory, planning and concentration, which can affect even the simplest of tasks
• extreme tiredness
• headaches
• problems with sleeping
• weakness and loss of sensation in their arms and legs
• difficulty distinguishing between hot and cold, which affects their ability to shower and carry out other activities safely
• impairment to their sense of smell and taste
• visual impairment, such as blurred or double vision, blind spots or black spots
• difficulty understanding speech
• emotional and psychological problems, ranging from depression to PTSD

How Boyes Turner can help

Where surgical treatment of SAH has been unacceptably delayed leading to additional severe brain injury and consequent disability, our experienced specialist brain injury team work hard to ensure that the full extent of our client’s additional injury and the impact on their life is properly assessed, rehabilitated, and compensated.

We work with trusted medical experts to assess whether the standard of care that the individual received from ambulance, accident and emergency and neurosurgical teams met acceptable standards for this emergency condition and whether early opportunities to identify and reduce the patient’s risk of cerebral aneurysm rupture were acted upon by those responsible for their earlier healthcare.

Once liability is established, we secure early interim payments to get rehabilitation and therapies underway, and to help pay for care, home adaptations and specialist equipment. We recognise the need for early intervention to optimise recovery from brain injury. Where our client was the major breadwinner, early interim payments can sometimes be obtained to ease the financial hardship that comes with being unable to return to work following a serious brain injury.

We then work with a range of experts, according to the circumstances of each individual’s case, including care and case managers, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists and psychologists to assess the extent and lifelong impact of the individual’s brain injury and loss of function and to value their consequent needs. Our clients’ settlements are structured to provide optimum security and flexibility through tailor-made combinations of lump sum and index-linked annual payments (PPOs).

In cases where negligent medical care of a patient with SAH has led to their death, we support the deceased’s dependent family members in securing compensation for their loss.

If you are caring for someone who is suffering from the results of a delay in treatment of a subarachnoid haemorrhage due to medical negligence contact one of our brain injury solicitors - email mednegclaims@boyesturner.com.