Brain hemorrhage

A brain hemorrhage – also called an intracranial hemorrhage or a brain bleed – is a type of stroke characterized by bleeding within the brain or space between the brain or skull. A brain hemorrhage obstructs the supply of oxygen to the brain, posing a life-threatening situation that requires immediate medical attention.

If you experience symptoms of a brain hemorrhage, call 911 immediately.

What is a brain hemorrhage?

The supply of oxygen and nutrients to your brain relies on a network of blood vessels. In the event of a brain hemorrhage, this supply is disrupted, and blood begins to accumulate in the brain This accumulation of blood from the brain bleed forms pools of blood in your skull, causing pressure that blocks the delivery of oxygen to the brain's tissues.

Brain bleeds often stem from incidents like falls or trauma to the skull from injuries. Individuals with uncontrolled high blood pressure also face an increased risk of experiencing a brain hemorrhage.

Types of brain hemorrhages

The two types of brain bleeds that happen inside the brain itself include:

• Intracerebral hemorrhage: Bleeding that may occur anywhere in the brain; however, it’s more common in the cerebellum, lobes or brainstem.
  
• Intraventricular hemorrhage: Bleeding that occurs in the hollow part of your brain.

Symptoms of a brain hemorrhage

Some signs of brain hemorrhage include:

• Confusion
• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
• Dizziness
• Loss of movement on the side of the body opposite of the head injury
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sudden or severe headache
• Weakness, tingling or numbness in the arms or legs (often on one side)

More severe symptoms may be present as blood fills your brain or the area between your skull and brain. These include:

• Lethargy
• Seizures
• Unconsciousness

If you’re experiencing brain hemorrhage symptoms, call 911 or get to an emergency department as soon as possible.

Causes of brain hemorrhage

Brain bleeds can be caused by congenital or other health concerns, or by accidental injury. Some of the more common reasons for hemorrhage are:

• Brain tumors
• Cardiovascular conditions
• Head injuries
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Stroke

Brain hemorrhage diagnosis

As with any health concern, it’s important to meet with your doctor on a regular basis to evaluate lifestyle and genetic factors that may contribute to a risk of brain bleed.

To make a brain hemorrhage diagnosis, your doctor will first ask about your brain bleed symptoms. Next, they’ll work to locate the source of the bleeding. To do this, your doctor may order a CT scan, an MRI or one of the following tests:

• A lumbar puncture: Also known as a spinal tap, a lumbar puncture is another way to make a brain bleed diagnosis.
• Computed tomography angiography (CTA): During a CTA test, dye is injected directly into the bloodstream. This dye makes it easy to see the arteries in your brain on a CT scan.
• Angiogram: During an angiogram, a catheter is inserted into an artery and threaded through the circulatory system up to the brain. A dye is then injected through the catheter. This dye makes blood flow easier to see on X-rays.
• Cerebrospinal fluid exam: Evidence of blood in this fluid may indicate bleeding.

Brain hemorrhage treatment options

Brain hemorrhage treatments depend on the size of the bleed, the location in the brain and the amount of swelling. Getting prompt treatment improves the chances of recovery.

Brain hemorrhage treatments may include:

• Catheter: A long, thin tube is threaded through blood vessels until it reaches the affected area.
• Draining the fluid that surrounds the brain: This creates room for the hematoma to expand without damaging brain cells.
• Surgery: In some cases, traditional surgery may be needed to drain blood from the brain or to repair damaged blood vessels.
• Medication: Drugs are used to control blood pressure, seizures or headaches.

How long does it take to recover from a brain hemorrhage?

Rehabilitation and recovery times from a brain hemorrhage depends on your situation. Even after treatment, it may be possible to never recover completely from a brain bleed.

Part of your recovery and rehabilitation after a brain hemorrhage may include speech therapy, occupational therapy or physical therapy. These brain bleed treatments can help individuals regain brain functions (such as the ability to speak) that may have been affected by brain bleed.