Nimodipine is used in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage to prevent which complication?

• A. Hypotension
• B. Seizures
• C. Vasospasm
• D. Rebleeding

Answer: (C)

Cerebral vasospasm after an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage is the complication nimodipine aims to prevent. Nimodipine is a calcium channel blocker with preference for cerebral vessels, which helps keep the arteries from narrowing during the high-risk period after the bleed (roughly days 4–14). By reducing the likelihood and severity of vasospasm, it helps preserve cerebral blood flow and improves neurological outcomes.

It isn’t used to prevent rebleeding, seizures, or to treat hypotension as a goal; while it can lower blood pressure as a side effect, the purpose is vasospasm prevention rather than hemodynamic management.