A sudden, severe headache. Nausea. Confusion. Sometimes, these symptoms are brushed off as a migraine or flu. But in some cases, they point to something far more serious: a subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) — a medical emergency that can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated immediately. Unfortunately, not all SAHs are diagnosed quickly enough. When delays or misdiagnoses occur, the consequences can be devastating. If you or a loved one has suffered because of a missed or delayed subarachnoid haemorrhage diagnosis, you may have grounds for a subarachnoid haemorrhage claim. In this article, we explore what a subarachnoid haemorrhage is, how it should be diagnosed and managed, and when medical negligence may be to blame. What is a Subarachnoid Haemorrhage? A subarachnoid haemorrhage is a serious and life-threatening type of stroke caused by bleeding into the space surrounding the brain, often due to a ruptured brain aneurysm. It accounts for about 5-6% of all strokes but is one of the deadliest. The bleeding increases pressure on the brain, which can lead to permanent brain damage, coma, or sadly death if not treated quickly. Subarachnoid Haemorrhage symptoms: What to watch for Recognising the early signs of an SAH can save lives and reduce the chances of long-term disability. The key is fast action. Common subarachnoid haemorrhage symptoms include: Sudden, severe “thunderclap” headache (often described as the worst headache of someone’s life) Nausea and vomiting Neck stiffness Blurred or double vision Sensitivity to light (photophobia) Loss of consciousness Seizures Confusion or difficulty speaking Because these symptoms can mimic migraines, flu, or tension headaches, they are sometimes dismissed or misdiagnosed, especially in younger patients or those without known risk factors. Risk factors include people with a family history of SAH/brain aneurysms and people who suffer from hypertension. Women are at slightly higher risk of a SAH than men and SAH is most common between the age of 45 and 70 (with the risk increasing with age). An accurate and timely subarachnoid haemorrhage diagnosis is crucial. When someone presents with symptoms consistent with an SAH, emergency departments should act quickly. Standard diagnostic steps include: CT scan: Often the first step to detect bleeding in the brain. Lumbar puncture: If the CT is inconclusive, this test can detect blood in the cerebrospinal fluid. CT angiography or MRI: These scans help locate the source of bleeding and identify aneurysms. Neurological assessment: To monitor brain function and symptoms over time. Delays in performing these tests, misinterpreting results, or discharging patients prematurely can all contribute to missed diagnoses — and may be considered medical negligence. Management of Subarachnoid Haemorrhage Prompt and effective management of subarachnoid haemorrhage is essential to reduce the risk of death and long-term disability. Once diagnosed, treatment options may include: Surgical clipping or endovascular coiling to stop the bleeding and secure the aneurysm Medication to control blood pressure, prevent seizures, and reduce the risk of further bleeding Intensive care monitoring for complications such as rebleeding, hydrocephalus, or vasospasm Rehabilitation to manage the physical and cognitive effects after recovery Unfortunately, when these steps are delayed or not properly carried out, it can result in a worsened prognosis — something that could potentially have been avoided with earlier intervention. Rarely, a delayed diagnosis can also result in death. When is a missed SAH diagnosis considered negligence? Healthcare providers have a duty to provide patients with a reasonable standard of care. If signs of a subarachnoid haemorrhage were missed or dismissed — especially in an emergency setting — and that failure caused avoidable harm, it could be grounds for a subarachnoid haemorrhage claim. Some examples of medical negligence include: Failing to order a CT scan despite classic SAH symptoms Misreading imaging results Discharging a patient too early without full investigation Failing to refer to a neurologist or other specialist Delayed surgical intervention Making a Subarachnoid Haemorrhage claim If you believe you or a family member suffered harm due to a delayed or missed diagnosis of a SAH, it’s important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. A subarachnoid haemorrhage claim can help you recover compensation for: Pain and suffering Ongoing medical treatment or care Loss of earnings Rehabilitation and therapy costs At Boyes Turner, we have supported clients who have experienced significant harm due to mismanagement of a SAH. If you or a member of your family have concerns about a missed or inappropriately managed SAH, our experienced medical negligence solicitors are here to help. Contact us by email at mednegclaims@boyesturner.com.
