Brain Hemorrhage

Brain hemorrhage refers to bleeding inside the brain, which is caused by a ruptured brain artery. Brain hemorrhage is an important cause of stroke. Hemorrhage of the brain is also referred as cerebral hemorrhage. Brain or cerebral hemorrhage can damage the cells and tissues of the brain, and increase the pressure inside the skull. Brain hemorrhage can occur between the brain and the membranes (meninges) that surround it, or between the skull and the covering of the brain. Sometimes, hemorrhage can also occur between the layers surrounding the brain.

What Causes Brain Hemorrhage?

Hemorrhage or bleeding inside the brain can be caused by several factors including, severe trauma or injury to the head. Another common cause of bleeding in the brain is high blood pressure. If the level of blood pressure remains consistently high for a long time, the extra pressure can weaken the blood vessels. Such weakened blood vessels can rupture or burst easily to spill out blood inside the brain. So, brain hemorrhage can be a possible complication of untreated high blood pressure.

Apart from these, some other possible cerebral hemorrhage causes are, bleeding disorders like, hemophilia and sickle cell anemia, brain tumors, abnormalities of the blood vessels and amyloid angiopathy. Amyloid angiopathy usually occurs with aging, and is characterized by the deposition of amyloid in the walls of the blood vessels of the central nervous system. Aneurysm can be another important cause of bleeding inside the brain. Aneurysm is a condition, where abnormal bulging structures form in the artery, mainly due to the weakening of the arterial wall.

Brain Hemorrhage Symptoms

The symptoms of brain hemorrhage can vary to an extent depending on the severity of the condition, as well as the exact location of the bleeding. The following are the most commonly experienced brain hemorrhage symptoms.

• Sudden severe headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Weakness in the arm or the leg
• Numbness and tingling sensations
• Lethargy
• Blurred vision
• Difficulty in speaking or slurred speech
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Loss of balance and coordination
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness

Treatment for Brain Hemorrhage

Hemorrhage of the brain can be detected with the help of imaging tests like, CT and MRI scan. Along with these imaging tests, lumbar puncture or spinal tap, blood tests and neurological examinations can be carried out by physicians to make an accurate diagnosis. As far as the treatment is concerned, brain or cerebral hemorrhage treatment is directed towards stopping the bleeding, and reducing the swelling and the pressure inside the brain.

Surgery may be required to stop the bleeding and repair the ruptured blood vessels for the treatment of brain hemorrhage. Medications like, diuretics, anticonvulsants and painkillers can be used for controlling symptoms like, swelling, seizures and pain. Brain hemorrhage recovery and the success of treatment depends on several factors such as, the severity of the hemorrhage and the extent of swelling. Some people can recover completely, while others have to face some possible complications like, stroke and loss of brain functions.

The best way to prevent the complications associated with brain hemorrhage is to prevent the hemorrhage itself. This can be done by controlling the risk factors for hemorrhage of the brain. So, individuals having high blood pressure should control the level of blood pressure with appropriate medications and lifestyle changes, recommended by their physicians. To prevent injury to the head, it is of utmost importance to drive carefully and wear helmet while riding a bike. It is equally important to quit smoking and avoid the use of illegal drugs like, cocaine for cerebral hemorrhage prevention. If you have any underlying bleeding disorder and abnormalities of the blood vessels, then consider to get these conditions properly evaluated with the help of your physician. Lastly, if you observe any signs of brain hemorrhage, be sure to inform your physician at the earliest.