Clinical Complications of Hemorrhagic Stroke from Intracranial Aneurysm: An Integrative Review

Background: Stroke is a significant alteration in blood flow, often caused by an obstruction or rupture of the arterial vessel wall. Hemorrhagic stroke can result from the rupture of an intracranial aneurysm, characterized by an abnormal dilation of an artery. Understanding the clinical outcomes and complications associated with hemorrhagic strokes resulting from intracranial aneurysms is crucial for improving patient care and outcomes. Methods: This study conducted an integrative literature review using the PRISMA and PICO models. The research question guiding the review was: “What are the clinical complications of stroke resulting from cerebral aneurysm?” Databases searched included PubMed and BVS (LILACS and MEDLINE), using Health Sciences Descriptors (DeCS): (Stroke) AND (Aneurysm) AND (Intracranial hemorrhage) AND (Artery). The Boolean Operator "AND" was used to refine the search. Of the initial 321 articles identified, 27 were selected for full-text review based on title and abstract screening. Ultimately, 15 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis. Results: The review found that aneurysm rupture is a major cause of new stroke cases, accounting for approximately 85% of subarachnoid hemorrhage instances. The majority of these cases occur in males, which may be attributed to lifestyle-related factors such as smoking and dyslipidemia. Clinical manifestations of aneurysmal stroke vary but commonly include severe headaches rated 10/10 on the pain scale. Advanced age is also identified as a significant risk factor. Conclusion: The study concludes that the incidence of hemorrhagic stroke due to aneurysm rupture is higher in males, with major risk factors including advanced age, smoking, and dyslipidemia. Complications from cerebral aneurysms are significantly correlated with the clinical outcomes of hemorrhagic strokes. Understanding these correlations aids in diagnosing and managing probable complications, thereby improving clinical outcomes for patients with hemorrhagic stroke due to intracranial aneurysms.