Developing an evidence-based clinical algorithm for the assessment, diagnosis and management of acute subarachnoid hemorrhage: a review of literature

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a neurologic emergency with a high mortality rate. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, there is still no complete clinical algorithm in the local setting to guide medical practitioners in the management of this devastating disease. A comprehensive review of literature was conducted on the current relevant evidence on the assessment, diagnosis and management of SAH. Electronic databases (Medline, PubMed, Google Scholar and Herdin) were searched for relevant literature between 1985 and 2015. A total of 40 articles were obtained and were used to develop the evidence-based clinical algorithm for acute SAH. The clinical algorithm was presented in a one of the conference meeting of the Philippine General Hospital Department of Neurosciences for consensus.