PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

What condition results in blood below the arachnoid membrane and above the pia mater?

1. Subdural hematoma

2. Subarachnoid hemorrhage

3. Intracerebral hemorrhage

4. Extradural hematoma

The correct answer is: Subarachnoid hemorrhage

Subarachnoid hemorrhage is characterized by the presence of blood in the subarachnoid space, which is the area between the arachnoid membrane and the pia mater. This space surrounds the brain and contains cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). When there is bleeding in this space, it typically occurs due to the rupture of blood vessels, often associated with conditions such as aneurysms or arteriovenous malformations. This condition can lead to significant neurological issues, including sudden and severe headache, often described as a "thunderclap" headache, along with potential complications such as meningitis due to irritation of the meninges by the blood. The other conditions mentioned involve blood accumulation in different locations: - A subdural hematoma involves blood collection between the dura mater and the arachnoid membrane, often due to tearing of the bridging veins. - An intracerebral hemorrhage occurs within the brain tissue itself, usually resulting from hypertension or trauma. - An extradural hematoma, also known as an epidural hematoma, involves blood accumulation between the dura mater and the skull, frequently caused by skull fractures that tear the meningeal arteries. Thus, the presence of blood specifically within the sub