Spontaneous Subarachnoid Hemorrhage After Cesarean Section

Abstract

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a medical emergency commonly caused by the rupture of cerebral aneurysms, hypertensive disorders, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), trauma, or spontaneous events, etc. In the case of postpartum women, SAH is especially rare and can be easily misdiagnosed due to its unexpected nature in the context of recent delivery. This abstract emphasizes that SAH following a cesarean section (C-section) is very rare. This highlights the importance of the case, as obstetricians and neurologists must be aware of such complications even though they are uncommon and present significant clinical challenges. While the majority of these events are unrelated to pregnancy, the physiological changes during pregnancy and the postpartum period may increase the risk of vascular rupture. This case report documents the rare occurrence of spontaneous SAH in a 28-year-old female on the fourth postoperative day following an emergency C-section under epidural analgesia, with no prior neurological symptoms or antenatal complications. Early recognition, multidisciplinary management, and prompt neurosurgical intervention were key to the patient’s recovery. This report highlights the importance of vigilance for neurological complications in the postpartum period. The purpose of this case report is to highlight the diagnostic and management challenges of spontaneous SAH in the postpartum period, a condition that is exceedingly rare but potentially life-threatening. By documenting this case, we aim to contribute to the understanding of postpartum SAH, emphasizing the need for heightened clinical vigilance, timely diagnosis, and multidisciplinary management in ensuring favorable outcomes.