Other types of cerebral accident

Sub–arachnoid haemorrhage

The sub-arachnoid space separates two important brain membranes that cover the surface of the brain. The sub-arachnoid space contains a clear fluid, the cerebro-spinal fluid (or CSF) and small blood vessels that supply the outer surface of the brain. If one of these small blood vessels bursts the cerebrospinal fluid becomes contaminated with blood irritating and damaging brain cells. Since the CSF flows throughout the entire surface of the brain extensive damage often results. A symptom of a sub-arachnoid haemorrhage is “thunderclap headache”.

Transient ischaemic attacks (TIA)

The most commonly affected vessels in TIA are the carotid artery and vertebral artery. A TIA, commonly called a mini – stroke by patients, starts just like a stroke but lasts less than 24 hours and resolves without leaving any neurological features or functional limitations. A TIA is a warning of increased risk of having a “full” stroke at some time in the future. The average duration of a TIA is a few minutes with the majority fully resolving within an hour.