Cerebral hemorrhage

What is a cerebral hemorrhage?

A cerebral hemorrhage is a type of bleeding into the brain tissue.

What are the symptoms of brain hemorrhage?

The symptoms of brain bleeding include severe headache, vertigo, nausea and/or vomiting and, depending on the cerebral area and the size of the bleeding, visual and speech disorder as well as unilateral numbness and/or reduced strength, and unconsciousness. Very serious types of brain bleeding can result in death.

These symptoms are also symptoms of a stroke, which either results from a block in an artery (Ischemic Stroke) or occurs when a blood vessel leaks or bursts (Hemorrhagic Stroke).

What are the causes of brain hemorrhage?

Causes of spontaneous brain bleeding are ruptures of weak spots in the blood vessel walls. These weak spots can be congenital (Aneurysms, Arteriovenous Malformation) or they can occur as a result of beginning vascular calcification, elevated blood pressure, coagulation disorders, tumors or other rare diseases.

How can brain hemorrhages be detected?

The only sure method to confirm the diagnosis is a CT scan or an MRI of the head.

Large cerebral hemorrhage on the left side on a CT scan

How is a brain hemorrhage treated?

Any suspected sign of cerebral hemorrhages requires urgent medical treatment. Patients suffering a cerebral hemorrhage have to be kept under close observation in the acute phase of the disease and may even be treated in an intensive care unit. After considering a variety of factors, as e.g. size and localization of the bleeding, age and general condition of the patient, accompanying diseases, etc., the brain specialist administers either conservative or surgical treatment.
In case of a surgical intervention, the patient's skull has to be opened in order to evacuate the bleeding and seal the bleeding-source.
The conservative treatment consists of control and correction of blood pressure and other important laboratory results as well as maintenance of the patient's vital functions (respiration, cardiovascular system, nutrition, bowel movements and urination).
Rehabilitative therapy begins after the patient's general condition has been stabilized.

What is the prognosis of cerebral hemorrhage?

A cerebral hemorrhage is always a severe condition and may quickly develop into a life-threatening situation. But there may also be complete recovery.