Cerebral aneurysm diagnostic criteria

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] ;Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Anika Zahoor M.D.[2]

Hunt and Hess scale for Subarachnoid hemorrhage severity

In outlining symptoms of ruptured cerebral aneurysm, it is useful to make use of the Hunt and Hess scale of subarachnoid hemorrhage severity:

• Grade 1: Asymptomatic; or minimal headache and slight nuchal rigidity. Approximate survival rate 70%.
• Grade 2: Moderate to severe headache; nuchal rigidity; no neurologic deficit except cranial nerve palsy. 60%.
• Grade 3: Drowsy; minimal neurologic deficit. 50%.
• Grade 4: Stuporous; moderate to severe hemiparesis; possibly early decerebrate rigidity and vegetative disturbances. 20%.
• Grade 5: Deep coma; decerebrate rigidity; moribund. 10%.

Mooij J. J. (2001). Editorial: grading and decision-making in (aneurysmal) subarachnoid haemorrhage. Interventional neuroradiology : journal of peritherapeutic neuroradiology, surgical procedures and related neurosciences, 7(4), 283–289. https://doi.org/10.1177/159101990100700402