Which medication is used to lower blood pressure in the management of subarachnoid hemorrhage?

Which medication is used to lower blood pressure in the management of subarachnoid hemorrhage?

• A. Lisinopril
• B. Nimodipine
• C. Furosemide
• D. Metoprolol

Answer: (B)

In subarachnoid hemorrhage, preventing cerebral vasospasm is crucial because it can lead to delayed cerebral ischemia and worse outcomes. Nimodipine is a cerebral-selective calcium channel blocker that specifically targets cerebral arteries, reducing the risk and severity of vasospasm after SAH. By preventing this vessel constriction, it helps protect brain tissue and improve functional outcomes, which is why it’s used in this context. While nimodipine can cause blood pressure to fall as a side effect, its primary purpose here is vasospasm prevention rather than broad BP control. The other medications listed don’t address vasospasm and aren’t indicated for this SAH-specific complication.

In subarachnoid hemorrhage, preventing cerebral vasospasm is crucial because it can lead to delayed cerebral ischemia and worse outcomes. Nimodipine is a cerebral-selective calcium channel blocker that specifically targets cerebral arteries, reducing the risk and severity of vasospasm after SAH. By preventing this vessel constriction, it helps protect brain tissue and improve functional outcomes, which is why it’s used in this context. While nimodipine can cause blood pressure to fall as a side effect, its primary purpose here is vasospasm prevention rather than broad BP control. The other medications listed don’t address vasospasm and aren’t indicated for this SAH-specific complication.