The time it takes to recover from a subarachnoid haemorrhage depends on its severity.
The location of the haemorrhage will also affect whether you have any associated problems, such as loss of feeling in your arms or legs, or problems understanding speech (aphasia).
Recovery can be a frustrating process. You may make a lot of progress and then have setbacks – you'll have good days and bad days.
Feelings of anger, resentment and sadness are common. Talking to other people with similar conditions through support groups, like the Stroke Association, can provide help and reassurance.
An assessment from a clinical psychologist can also be helpful.
There are many specialists who may be involved in your recovery, including:
- rehabilitation specialists – doctors specialising in recovery from a brain injury
- physiotherapists – specialists in certain techniques, such as exercises and massage, that can help with movement problems
- speech and language therapists – specialists who recognise and help treat communication problems
- occupational therapists – specialists who identify problems you may have in everyday life, such as getting dressed, and can help you work out practical solutions
Common problems
Extreme tiredness
During the first few months after a subarachnoid haemorrhage, it's normal to feel extremely tired.
Even simple tasks, such as going to the shops, can leave you feeling exhausted.
Taking regular short breaks of about 20 to 30 minutes in a relaxing environment, ideally at least 3 times a day, can help.
Problems sleeping
Many people find they have problems getting to sleep (insomnia), or they can only sleep for short periods.
Having a set daily routine, where you get up and go to bed at the same time each day, can also help. You should also set time aside for relaxation breaks.
If you go back to work, you could talk to your employer about having extra time for breaks.
For more advice, read 10 tips to beat insomnia.
Headaches
Headaches are common after a subarachnoid haemorrhage, but they tend to ease over time.
They're not as painful as when you had your haemorrhage, and you should be able to control them with painkillers such as paracetamol, which you can buy from a pharmacy or supermarket.
Drinking plenty of fluids, as well as avoiding alcohol and caffeine, can also reduce the severity and frequency of these headaches.
Unusual sensations
Some people experience strange or unusual sensations in their brain.
These can be difficult to describe, but some people have said that they feel "tickly" or like somebody is pouring water across their brain.
It's not clear why these strange sensations happen, but they're common and usually pass over time.
Loss of feeling or movement
Some people experience a loss of movement and feeling in their arms or legs. This can range from a slight weakness to a complete loss of power.
You may also have problems distinguishing between hot and cold, so be careful when taking a bath or shower.
A training and exercise plan carried out under the supervision of a physiotherapist can help restore feeling and movement to affected limbs.
Changes in senses
Many people experience changes to their sense of smell and taste after they have had a subarachnoid haemorrhage. The senses can be heightened or reduced.
You may find that your favourite food now tastes disgusting, while something you hated now tastes delicious.
But these changes in the senses are normally temporary and will resolve as the swelling on your brain goes down.
Vision
After a brain injury, problems with your vision, such as blurring, blind spots, black spots and double vision, are common.
Your vision will be tested before you leave hospital and, if necessary, you'll be referred to an ophthalmologist (a doctor who specialises in the care of the eye) for further tests and treatment.
Vision problems usually improve gradually over a few months.
Driving
You must tell the DVLA if you've had a subarachnoid haemorrhage.
You'll need to avoid driving until you have heard back from the DVLA. The DVLA will decide when you can drive again. It can vary from several weeks to months.
Find out more about subarachnoid haemorrhage and driving on GOV.UK
Caring for someone who has had a brain haemorrhage
If you're caring for someone recovering from a subarachnoid haemorrhage, you may find it a challenging prospect.
They can often have complex needs and engage in challenging and sometimes upsetting behaviour.
You may find the social care and support guide useful. For example, it has information about:
Support groups
There are a number of support groups that can offer information and advice for people who have had a brain haemorrhage, and their carers.
You can contact the Stroke Association helpline on 0303 3033 100, or you can email helpline@stroke.org.uk.
You can contact Headway, the brain injury association, on 0808 800 2244 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm), or you can email helpline@headway.org.uk.
Page last reviewed: 02 December 2021
Next review due: 02 December 2024