Atypical Presentation of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH): A Case Report

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a life-threatening condition, often caused by an aneurysmal rupture. Generally, it presents with classical symptoms of thunderclap headache, along with other neurological findings; however, atypical presentations can also occur, hence leading to a delay in diagnosis, particularly in elderly patients. We present a case of a 71-year-old woman diagnosed with acute pancreatitis. Although her gastrointestinal symptoms improved, her confusion persisted, which prompted further investigation, leading to the diagnosis of SAH. This case report highlights the atypical presentation of SAH in the elderly population and urges clinicians to keep a high index of suspicion for such occurrences.

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Journal
Cureus
Published
2026-02-09
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.103266
Primary Topic
Intracranial Aneurysms: Treatment and Complications
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article
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article

Atypical Presentation of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH): A Case Report

Shehzad Safdar, John Caird, Nader Abdelrazig, Muhammad Khizar Hayat
Cureus
Intracranial Aneurysms: Treatment and Complications
article

Atypical Presentation of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH): A Case Report

Shehzad Safdar, John Caird, Nader Abdelrazig, Muhammad Khizar Hayat
article en

Abstract

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a life-threatening condition, often caused by an aneurysmal rupture. Generally, it presents with classical symptoms of thunderclap headache, along with other neurological findings; however, atypical presentations can also occur, hence leading to a delay in diagnosis, particularly in elderly patients. We present a case of a 71-year-old woman diagnosed with acute pancreatitis. Although her gastrointestinal symptoms improved, her confusion persisted, which prompted further investigation, leading to the diagnosis of SAH. This case report highlights the atypical presentation of SAH in the elderly population and urges clinicians to keep a high index of suspicion for such occurrences.

CureusVol. 18(2)
Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PK), Beaumont Hospital (IE), Institute of Management Sciences Lahore (PK)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 63%
Intracranial Aneurysms: Treatment and Complications
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Atypical Presentation of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH): A Case Report — Shehzad Safdar, John Caird, et al. · Cureus (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS