How To Treat A Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

External Ventricular Drain Placement

An external ventricular drain, which is placed during a surgical procedure, is used to redirect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). It can be used for a variety of different medical conditions, though the main goal is to alleviate increased intracranial pressure that occurs as a result of leaking cerebrospinal fluid. Not everyone who has a subarachnoid hemorrhage will experience CSF leakage, but if they do, a drain placement is one of the most common ways to alleviate this. External ventricular drain placement is typically used to treat hydrocephalus, which is a symptom that can occur after a stroke or other neurological issues. These drains are flexible plastic catheters and are managed by the nurses and physicians in the intensive care unit. They are typically used as short-term, emergency solutions to hydrocephalus. The underlying cause of the hydrocephalus must be addressed. If there's no way to stop the hydrocephalus, the drain might be converted to a permanent cerebral shunt.

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