The Hunt-Hess Grading Scale for Brain Aneurysms Related SAH
Find out more about the interesting history of the Hunt-Hess grading scale. While there are newer grading scales, this valuable tool is still used to assess the severity of subarachnoid hemorrhage and guide treatment decisions helping medical professionals evaluate the neurological condition of patients following a subarachnoid hemorrhage, typically caused by a ruptured aneurysm.
Understanding the Hunt-Hess Grading Scale
Many people hold tight to two misconceptions about brain aneurysms. The first is that brain aneurysms are something that only the elderly have to worry about. The truth is that anyone of any age can be diagnosed with a potentially deadly brain aneurysm. Today Online reported that based on a 2017 study done in Singapore by the National Neuroscience Institute (NNI) approximately 3.5 percent of the population has a brain aneurysm. Based on Singapore's population, that means approximately seven out of every two hundred people are afflicted.
The second misconception is that all brain aneurysms result in fatality. While it's true, that a brain aneurysm can be fatal, improvements in technology, medical scanning, and cerbal care mean that it's possible to not only recover from a ruptured brain aneurysm but also regain the same quality of life you enjoyed before the aneurysm rupturing.
This article is part of our guide to understanding brain aneurysms. For a complete overview, visit, Brain Aneurysm: What You Should Know.
The Link Between Brain Aneurysm and Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH)
What is a Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH) and how is it related to a brain aneurysm?
A subarachnoid hemorrhage refers to bleeding in the space between the brain and its protective covering (the membrane). This type of bleeding typically happens when a weak spot in a blood vessel, known as an aneurysm, ruptures and leaks.
The subarachnoid hemorrhage, may even lead to a type of stroke known as a hemorrhagic stroke, which involves bleeding within the brain. As mentioned above, most subarachnoid hemorrhages result from bleeding caused by a ruptured brain aneurysm. This differs from an ischemic stroke, which is caused by a blood clot blocking blood flow to the brain. (Understand the difference in our article, Brain Aneurysm vs. Hemorrhage, or how an SAH differs from a hemorrhage and how it can put you at further risk of this type of stroke.
How Severe is Your SAH Condition?
The Hunt and Hess Scale was developed to help patients and the medical community understand exactly how severe an individual's subarachnoid hemorrhage truly is. Not only does the scale help predict the patient's chances of survival, but it is also used to determine how much immediate danger the patient is in and what the best treatment for the particular stroke is. Most importantly, it allows the patient and their loved ones to understand what the immediate future looks like for the patient.
The Purpose of the Hunt and Hess Grading Scale for SAH
Hunt and Hess, two doctors who created the grading scale that's used to rate the severity of SAH created their scale in 1968 because they wanted to provide the medical community with a useful tool that would help them quickly determine just how likely a patient was to survive their SAH. The scale should be used whenever a patient with suspected subarachnoid bleeding is admitted to the emergency room.
Emergency room doctors can administer the scale whenever a patient with a suspected condition (SAH that occurs as a result of a brain aneurysm) is admitted to the hospital.
The Different Grades on the Scale
Patients who receive a grade one rating on the scale are either asymptomatic or have a relatively mild headache and some stiffness in their necks. The predicted survival rate for a grade one patient is 70%.
Grade two patients complain of a moderate to severe headache and often suffer from a stiff neck. While they have more pain, an examination will reveal that they are not suffering from a neurologic deficit. A grade two patient's survival rate is 60%.
Grade three patients are usually extremely tired when they are admitted to the emergency room and will also test positive for minimal neurological deficit. The odds of this patient overcoming and surviving thier SAH is 50%.
Patients who are given a grade four rating are in grave danger. They are often in a medical state of stupor. Their hemiparesis is moderate to severe. It's common for the medical team to detect some decerebrate rigidity and concerning vegetative disturbances. The mortality rate for patients with a grade four SAH is 80%.
Grade five is the most dangerous SAH. Patients with this grade have a 90% mortality rate. Those who do survive often suffer from lifelong negative effects that are directly linked to the SAH. Patients are given a grade five rating when they have a moribund appearance, exhibit decerebrate posturing, or have slipped into a deep coma.
Early Detection for Brain Aneurysms in Singapore
Early detection is the single best way to prevent SAH from advancing up the grading scale and becoming seriously life-threatening. If you suspect you have developed a brain aneurysm, don't wait to see if your condition will worsen. The best thing you can do for your long-term health is taking the time to contact us for additional information about aneurysms, consultations, and personalized care.
Knowing the Dangers of a Brain Aneurysm
Dr. Manish Taneja, our brain aneurysm specialist at Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic, specializes in minimally invasive procedures for conditions such as brain aneurysm. We offer specialized care, prompt attention, and access to advanced imaging technology and procedures.
Understand brain aneurysms’ potential dangers and taking the first step towards seeking proper medical consultation. Learn more about the health indicators and afflictions to defuse this silent, dangerous ticking time bomb. Fortunately, there are minimally invasive treatment options to manage this condition effectively.
Understanding Brain Aneurysms
Brain aneurysms, simply put, are weak spots in the walls of blood vessels in your brain. These weak areas can balloon out and potentially rupture, leading to serious complications. While the exact causes are still being studied, factors like high blood pressure, smoking, and family history can increase the risk.
Consult a Seasoned Brain Aneurysm Specialist
Finding the right doctor is key to your journey towards treatment and recovery. Dr. Manish Taneja has treated thousands of patients and treated brain aneurysms ranging from one milimeter to four centimeters. He has treated a range of ages from the young up to the average age for brain aneurysms of around 35 to 60. Unfortunately, no one can predict a brain aneurysm and also the young and fit are at risk. A brain aneurysm rupture can even cause a young to pass away in their sleep. Stay informed about treatment options and receive a recommended course of action with a seasoned brain aneurysm specialist who can give you a clearer picture of what lies ahead.
Walking Time Bombs
With limited data in Singapore, Dr. Manish Taneja estimates that one in 100 people in the general community experience the condition in their lifetime. Brain aneurysms can go unnoticed or undetected – until it is too late. It’s when the brain aneurym ruptures, the results are grim. It’s a less talked about condition and one of the reasons we don’t hear much about it is because brain aneurysm is often overlooked by heart disease, ischemic stroke, or breast cancer.
Knowing risk factors for a brain aneurysm is the first step in early detection and treatment:
- Worst headache in life
- Sudden sensitivity to light
- Sudden stiffness of neck
- Sudden sharp pain behind or above one eye
- Sudden blurred or double vision
- Sudden numbness and tingling in facial area
- Sudden loss of consciousness.
- Sudden confusion or change of mental status.
- Seizure
- Perceived “gun shot” noise or extremely loud “BOOM.”
- Drooping eyelid, nausea and vomiting
It’s important to understand the potential dangers of brain aneurysms. A ruptured aneurysm can cause severe bleeding in the brain, leading to a stroke or even death. Even untreated aneurysms can have long-term effects on your health. That’s why regular follow-up care and monitoring are crucial to managing this condition effectively. Read more here about how detrimental a brain aneurysm can be when rupturing.
Consult a Seasoned Brain Aneurysm Specialist
A consultation at our brain aneurysm clinic in Singapore allows for timely intervention and improved outcomes. It's important to receive professional treatment and care in the hands of the right doctor for you or your loved one.
The Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic offers state-of-the-art care and latest treatment options with brain aneurysm specialist, Dr. Manish Taneja. The newer technologies available for treating brain aneurysms enables him to treat almost all types of brain aneurysms using interventional techniques without open surgery. Arrange your appointment today.
Brain Aneurysm Resources
Explore our brain aneurysm resources. Understanding a brain aneurysm often involves learning across several areas.
Put Brain Aneurysm on Your Health Radar
Did you experience the worst headache of your life? Thoughts could be racing through your mind. A brain aneurysm is a weak spot in a blood vessel in the brain that can change over time. The key concern is when an aneurysm ruptures, which can disrupt blood flow, affect brain tissue, and lead to serious brain damage. Controllable conditions like high blood pressure can increase this risk and treatment options can depend on the condition. Surgical clipping is one option that prevents blood from entering the weakened area. In many cases, minimally invasive treatments can also be used to restore normal blood flow and reduce risk. We have created structured guides to help you explore each stage in more detail:
A simple (computed tomography) CT scan could be just what the doctor ordered and the first step in early detection and prevention of a brain aneurysm. Come in for an easy consultation with our brain aneurysm specialist in Singapore to be on your health radar.
Other Health Conditions
The Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic is your “go-to” facility for various conditions and treatments. To arrange an appointment with Dr. Manish Taneja, our brain aneurysm specialist, contact us. You can also call us at (+65) 6904 8084 for a consultation.