Because SAH is such a problem, one of the first goals of aneurysm treatment is to obliterate the aneurysm before it ruptures. When this is not possible, as in a case of SAH, occlusion of an aneurysm is usually performed as soon as possible after the initial hemorrhage in order to prevent a recurrence. Besides causing an initial, sometimes fatal shock to the brain, SAH also leads to other problems. Additionally, in the later days after SAH, the arteries of the brain may become irritated and go into spasm. This spasm or narrowing is knows as vasospasm .
Severe spasm can lead to a stroke .
Treatments are available for both hydrocephalus and vasospasm, however, as yet there is no cure.