Recognition and management of subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Aneurysmal SAH is a devastating disease. A missed diagnosis can have unfortunate consequences, such as rebleeding, cerebral infarction, and death. Early recognition and prompt referral improve the outcome by providing timely surgical intervention to prevent rebleeding and aggressive management to prevent or minimize the effects of vasospasm. Patients should be managed in a neurological intensive care unit experienced with SAH and its complications.