What is the prognosis for subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH)?

The prognosis (outlook) for subarachnoid hemorrhage depends on its cause, severity and the presence of other complications or injuries.

It’s a severe condition — half of people who have subarachnoid hemorrhage experience sudden death. Of those who make it to a hospital:

One-third die in the hospital.

One-third survive with disability.

One-third return to their normal function.

Possible immediate complications of SAH include:

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) can cause brain damage, which can lead to long-term or even permanent issues. Possible long-term complications of SAH include:

These long-term complications can be managed and treated with several different types of therapies, including:

Certain medications can also help. Talk to your healthcare team if you experience any of these issues.

Life expectancy after a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) varies based on its severity and how quickly it’s diagnosed and treated.

In general, the one-year mortality rate of untreated SAH is up to 65%, meaning up to 65% of people who had an SAH that wasn’t treated died within one year of the episode.

With appropriate diagnosis and treatment, the one-year mortality rate is around 18%.