Vasospasm refers to a condition in which an
arterial spasm leads to
vasoconstriction. This can lead to tissue
ischemia and tissue death (necrosis). Cerebral vasospasm may arise in the context of
subarachnoid hemorrhage. Symptomatic vasospasm or delayed
cerebral ischemia is a major contributor to post-operative stroke and death especially after aneurysmal
subarachnoid hemorrhage. Vasospasm typically appears 4 to 10 days after subarachnoid hemorrhage.