Hospital Stay Duration for Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH): Realistic Estimates—Schedule by Treatment Method and Severity, From 2 Weeks for Mild Cases to 10 Months for Severe Cases
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Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH) requires emergency surgery, but the subsequent length of hospitalization varies greatly depending on the treatment method and severity. Notably, as of 2025, the shift to Coil Embolization (which is less invasive) as the dominant treatment has led to a general trend of shorter hospital stays compared to the past.
SAH Hospital Stay Duration: Realistic Estimates in Japan (2025)
Treatment/Severity
Acute Hospital (Surgery ∼ ICU)
Transfer to Recovery/Rehab Hospital
Total Estimated Hospital Stay
Current Trend (2025)
Mild (Grade 1–2, Coiling, Small bleed)
10–21 days
None ∼1 month
2–6 Weeks
Steadily getting shorter.
Moderate (Grade 3, Coiling, Clear consciousness)
2–4 Weeks
1–3 Months
2–4 Months
The most common pattern.
Severe (Grade 4–5, Impaired consciousness, Complications)
4–10 Weeks
3–6 Months
4–10 Months
Longer ICU stay.
Clipping Surgery(Craniotomy)
3–6 Weeks
1–3 Months
3–5 Months
1–2 weeks longer than Coiling.
Complications(Vasospasm/Hydrocephalus)
+2–8 WeeksExtension
Transfer Delay ∼6+ Months
VP Shunt adds +1 Month
Elderly (Age 80+)
2–6 Weeks
No transfer; discharged to nursing home or home
1–3 Months
Increasing cases where transfer to rehab hospitals is denied.
Main Reasons for Shorter Hospital Stays in 2025
Change in Practice
Impact on Hospital Stay Reduction
Coil Embolization is over 80% (2 weeks faster recovery than craniotomy)
−1–3 Weeks
Flow Diverters enable catheter treatment for giant aneurysms
−2 Weeks
10% Increase in Recovery/Rehab Hospital Beds
Acute hospitals can discharge patients faster.
Home Rehab + Daycare available up to 5 times/week
Home discharge possible from the 3rd month.
Medical Fee System “Hospital Revenue Drops Sharply after 150 Days”
Leads to mandatory discharge planning.
Example Discharge Schedule (Moderate Case, Coiling)
Day(s)
Location / Status
Day 0
Onset → Ambulance → CT Diagnosis
Day 1–3
Coil Embolization (Clipping adds +3–5 days)
Day 4–14
ICU → HCU → General Ward (Fasudil infusion for 14 days)
Day 15–30
Rehab starts + Hydrocephalus check
Around Day 30
Transfer to Recovery/Rehab Hospital (or discharge home)
Total
Min. 3 Weeks; Average 2–3 Months
Conditions for Being Discharged Home (2025 Checklist)
Can walk alone inside the house with a cane or walker.
Can use the toilet and bath independently or with minor assistance.
Family members or home care services can visit ≥2 times a day.
Home rehabilitation + daycare services can be secured 3–5 days a week.
