A brain hemorrhage or bleeding in the brain is described as leakage of blood where the brain is compressed and results to damage. The bleeding brought about by burst or leaking blood vessel is called as hemorrhagic stroke.
With adequate bleeding, the brain is significantly compressed that the oxygenated blood could not flow into the brain tissue. The lack of oxygen can lead to brain swelling or cerebral edema. The buildup of blood forms which is called as a hematoma. The extra pressure created can damage the brain cells. As a life-threatening condition, immediate treatment is vital.
What are the causes?
There are various factors that can lead to brain hemorrhage such as:
- Head trauma or injuries
- Brain tumor
- High blood pressure
- Cerebral aneurysm
- Blood vessel abnormalities
- Liver disease
- Drug abuse
- Blood or bleeding ailments
Indications
A brain hemorrhage can trigger a variety of symptoms such as abrupt tingling, numbness, weakness or paralysis of the face, leg or arm. This is likely to occur on one side of the body.
Other symptoms might include:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Abrupt, intense headache
- Visual issues
- Seizures
- Loss of coordination or balance
- Confusion or difficulty understanding
- Difficulty talking or slurred speech
- Stupor, lethargy or loss of consciousness
Management
When dealing with brain hemorrhage, surgery might be required especially in severe cases. The doctor should relieve some of the pressure within the brain.
The hemorrhage triggered by a ruptured cerebral aneurysm requires clipping of the artery via surgery where part of the skull is removed. Other treatment options include anti-anxiety medications, anti-epileptic drugs and other medications to regulate the symptoms such as the intense headaches.
Disclaimer / More Information
The information posted on this page on brain hemorrhage is for learning and educational purposes only. To learn to manage brain injuries, register for first aid training at one of our training centers located throughout Canada. The training centers are in Edmonton, Mississauga, Calgary, Vancouver, Kelowna, Surrey, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa and Halifax.