subarachnoid
Under the Brain Membrane
Plain-language definition
The space beneath the arachnoid membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord, filled with cerebrospinal fluid. Subarachnoid hemorrhage is a neurological emergency.
Where this term comes up
“Subarachnoid hemorrhage”
Symptom · Light Sensitivity (Photophobia)
“Nausea, vomiting, neck stiffness, light sensitivity - can mimic meningitis or subarachnoid hemorrhage”
Condition · Pituitary Apoplexy
“Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage classically presents as a thunderclap headache.”
Guide · Sudden Severe Headache with Vision Change - Could This Be a Stroke?
- Category
- Anatomy
- Also written as
- No alternate forms listed.
Anatomy terms name the eye, orbit, optic nerve, retina, or visual pathway structures that may appear in an exam note or imaging report.
Related glossary terms
- hemorrhage
Bleeding
- MRI
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- fundus
Back of the Eye
- ischemia
Reduced Blood Supply
- chiasm
Optic Nerve Crossing
- anticoagulation
Blood-Thinning Treatment
A note on medical context
A glossary definition can explain a word, but it cannot tell you whether a symptom or test result is serious. If this term came from an article, use the full article and your clinician's guidance for context.