Nicardipine for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Nicardipine may be given to prevent cerebral vasospasm after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage with Aggressive Cisternal Clot Removal 1).
Park et al., treated forty-four vessels in 18 patients. All vessels treated demonstrated angiographic improvement in the degree of vasospasm. TCD demonstrated significant decreases in peak systolic velocity after treatment. Neurological improvement was seen in about 42% of the patients after treatment. No significant changes in blood pressure or signs of pulmonary edema or renal dysfunction 2).
Case reports
A young adult female presented to the emergency department with a headache and vomiting. After treatment with intravenous fluids, diphenhydramine, and metoclopramide the headache completely resolved. Because of the patient's persistent symptoms and past medical history of systemic lupus erythematosus, a non-contrast head CT scan was done. In this case, the patient had a subarachnoid hemorrhage with edema and mass effect, detected on a non-contrast head CT scan. The patient required a nicardipine drip for blood pressure control. The patient recovered well and was discharged to her normal state of health. This case demonstrates the importance of maintaining high clinical suspicion for life-threatening emergencies even in patients with unremarkable physical exams who experience symptomatic improvement after treatment 3)