Hunt and Hess Grades I-V Subarachnoid hemorrhage

Hunt and Hess Grades I-V Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

A subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that is caused by bleeding in the brain. SAH is usually caused by an aneurysm that has ruptured, but it can also be caused by trauma or an arteriovenous malformation. The Hunt and Hess grading system is used to classify the severity of SAH.

Hunt and Hess Grades

• Grade I: Asymptomatic; patient has no neurologic deficit
• Grade II: Mild to moderate headache only
• Grade III: Moderate to severe headache with mild focal neurologic deficit
• Grade IV: Stupor, moderate to severe neurologic deficit, or both
• Grade V: Coma

The Hunt and Hess grading system is important because it helps guide treatment decisions. A higher Hunt and Hess grade is associated with a higher risk of death or disability. Treatment for SAH may include surgery, endovascular repair, or medical management to prevent re-bleeding.

It is important for healthcare providers to palpate for signs of SAH and assess the patient for signs of neurologic deficits. Prompt diagnosis and treatment is essential for optimizing outcomes.