Objective To identify an evidence-based treatment for a patient with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Methods We first put forward clinical problems about how to prevent complications and how to treat ruptured aneurysm of aSAH, then searched The Cochrane Library (Issue 4, 2006), Ovid ACP Journal Club (1991 to 2006), Ovid MEDLINE (1966 to 2006), NGC (1998 to 2006) and CBM (1978 to 2006) to identify systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, controlled clinical trials and treatment guidelines. Results Eleven studies and five guidelines were included. Current evidence indicated that nimodipine was effective for prophylaxis of poor outcome after vasospasm, while tirilazad was not effective in female patients with good grades. The effectiveness of other treatments to prevent complications was not clear. Evidence on the use of antifibrinolytics for the prevention of re-bleeding was inconsistent. If a ruptured aneurysm was considered suitable for both surgical clipping and endovascular coiling, coiling was associated with a better outcome. According to the available evidence and guidelines, considering the patient’s conditions and preferences, nimodipine and antifibrinolytics were administered to prevent complications and her aneurysm was treated by early endovascular embolization. She did not experience vasospasm or re-bleeding during her hospital stay. Short-term follow-up showed a good outcome. Long-term prognostic benefits after endovascular therapy need to be confirmed by prolonged follow-up. Conclusions Therapies based on the best clinical evidence and guidelines should be given to prevent complications and improve outcome for patients after an aSAH.