spinal fluid; spectrophotometry

Abstract

Aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) is an acute life-threatening neurological disorder. A delay in diagnosis can lead to substantial and avoidable morbidity and mortality. It is important to identify patients with SAH promptly, to enable specialist referral to neurosurgical centres. This review aims to provide an up-to-date practical guide concerning the interpretation of spinal fluid results in patients with suspected SAH.