Final answer:
A subarachnoid hematoma may cause a sudden severe headache, nausea, vomiting, neurological deficits, and increased intracranial pressure, which can be fatal. Prompt medical attention is essential for diagnosis and treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
A subarachnoid hematoma is characterized by bleeding between the brain and the interior of the skull, usually resulting from a head injury. This can lead to a diverse range of symptoms depending on the extent and location of the bleeding. The most urgent clinical manifestations of a subarachnoid hematoma include a sudden severe headache, often described as the worst headache ever experienced, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, loss of consciousness, and seizures. There may also be signs of neurological impairment such as confusion, memory problems, difficulty speaking, inability to move or feel on one side of the body, and dizziness. The blood accumulation can cause increased intracranial pressure, leading to the possibility of herniation and compromised blood supply to the brain tissue, which can be fatal if not treated promptly.
Quick medical attention is critical and may involve CT scanning, medical management to control the pressure inside the skull, and potentially surgical intervention to alleviate the pressure and stop the bleeding. The severity of a subarachnoid hematoma can vary, and so can the prognosis, with potential for significant neurological impairment if not addressed timely.