Prospective pharmacologic treatments for subarachnoid hemorrhage

: The aim of pharmacological therapy in subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) is to prevent cerebral ischemia and consequent events. Vasospasm, energy decrease, altered Ca++ homeostasis, lactic acidosis and free radicals are responsible for cerebral ischemic damage. Drug therapy in SAH is necessary before, during and after surgical treatment. Nimodipine is the only drug used today and supported by many clinical trials; scientific trials, on using known and new substances in SAH drug therapy, are in progress.