What is Brain Hemorrhage?

A brain hemorrhage, also commonly known as cerebral hemorrhage, refers to bleeding into or around the brain due to a ruptured blood vessel. The condition generally exerts pressure in the skull and hampers the normal functioning of the brain.

Medical treatment has to be given at once since the hemorrhage might prove to be life-threatening. If you are facing any of the below mentioned symptoms, then contact your doctor immediately.

Causes of Brain Hemorrhage

The following may be some reasons that could lead to brain hemorrhages:

• Hypertension: Long-standing hypertension causes the weakening of the blood vessels by stretching the walls and hence more susceptible to rupture.
• Aneurysms: This involves weak points in the walls of the blood vessels which balloon out and burst with bleeding.
• Trauma: The blood vessels in the head could have been ruptured by injury to the head in the form of a fall, accident, sport, or any other form of injury.
• Blood Disorders: One blood problem that would probably serve to increase hemorrhages is hemophilia.

Symptoms of Brain Hemorrhage

Symptoms of brain hemorrhage vary according to the location and size of the bleeding. Common symptoms include:

• Severe Headache: Many described it as a sudden, severe headache that had felt unlike other headaches.
• Confusion or Disorientation: One is unable to understand or comment appropriately on any question.
• Nausea and Vomiting: A person can feel sick or vomit because of the raised intracranial pressure. Weakness or Numbness: A feeling of weakness or numbness involving one side of the body, face, or limb. 
• Speech Difficulty: Trouble with the formation of words, or speech is not understood.
• Visual Disturbances: These include blurred or even double vision.

Treatment of Brain Haemorrhage

Treatment for hemorrhage in the brain varies according to type and severity. It may involve one or more of the following:

• Observation: Small hemorrhages can often be followed conservatively with testing for any change in them, including CT scans.
• Medications: Such medications include those to extend symptoms, lower blood pressure, and avoid seizure activity if seizure history is present.
• Surgery: This can be necessary to remove blood clots, repair blood vessels, or relieve pressure on the brain.

Dr. Naresh Kumar Damesha
Consulting Neurosurgeon