General Health Tips & News


Brain Hemorrhage: Things You Need to Know


By S.I. (staff writer) , published on November 11, 2022



Medicine Telehealth Health brain bleeding


 

What is Brain Hemorrhage?

A brain hemorrhage is defined as bleeding in the brain. This condition is also referred to as a brain bleed or an intracranial hemorrhage. It is a medical emergency that necessitates immediate attention.

 

Brain bleeds can limit oxygen transport to the brain, increase intracranial pressure, and destroy brain cells. If you are experiencing signs of a brain bleed, it is critical that you seek care as soon as possible.

 

What are the Symptoms of Brain Hemorrhage?

A brain hemorrhage can cause a variety of symptoms. They are determined by the location of the bleeding, its severity, and the amount of tissue injury. Symptoms usually appear suddenly, deteriorating with time [1].

 

If you have any of the following symptoms, you might be suffering from a brain hemorrhage. This is a life-threatening situation; you should dial 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. The symptoms are:

 

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Vision changes
  • Sudden or severe headache
  • Difficulty using fine motor skills
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Weakness, tingling or numbness in the arms or legs (often on one side)
  • Problems with balance
  • Problems understanding speech
  • Seizures

 

What are the Causes of Brain Hemorrhage?

Several factors can lead to a brain hemorrhage. These factors include [2]:

1.      Head Trauma:

Injury is the most prevalent cause of brain hemorrhage in people under the age of 50.

2.      High blood pressure:

This chronic illness has the potential to damage blood vessel walls over time. Untreated high blood pressure is a primary cause of avoidable brain hemorrhages.

3.      Aneurysm:

This is a swollen blood vessel wall weakening. It has the potential to burst and hemorrhage into the brain, resulting in a stroke.

4.      Blood vessel abnormalities (Arteriovenous malformations):

Weaknesses in the blood vessels in and around the brain may exist at birth but are not recognized until symptoms appear.

5.      Amyloid angiopathy:

This blood vessel wall irregularity can emerge with ageing and high blood pressure. Before causing a large bleed, it may create a series of minor, undetectable bleeds [3]

 

     6. Blood or bleeding disorders:

Hemophilia and sickle cell anemia can both cause a drop in blood platelet and clotting levels. Blood thinners pose an additional risk.

7.      Liver disease:

In general, this disease is associated with increased bleeding.

 

Other causes might include things like a brain tumor and the consumption of illicit drugs.

 

What is the Treatment for Brain Hemorrhage?

A doctor can establish which section of the brain is affected based on your symptoms [4]. CT scan, which can identify internal bleeding or blood accumulation, or an MRI, may be performed by doctors. A neurological or eye exam may also be conducted, revealing optic nerve enlargement. Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) is usually avoided since it might be harmful and worsen the situation.

 

The treatment for brain bleeding is determined by the location, source, and amount of the hemorrhage [5]. Surgery may be required to reduce edema and stop bleeding. Certain drugs may be prescribed as well. Pain relievers, corticosteroids, or osmotic are used to minimize edema, while anticonvulsants are used to manage seizures.

 

 

 

References:

  1. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/088307380001500503 
  2. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/abs/10.1161/01.STR.4.6.946
  3. https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/html/10.1055/s-0033-1357489
  4. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00325481.1990.11704735?journalCode=ipgm20
  5. https://experts.arizona.edu/en/publications/immediate-anticoagulation-of-embolic-stroke-brain-hemorrhage-and-

 




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