Brain hemorrhage: symptoms, causes, treatment, etc. & bull; hello healthy

Definition

What is a brain hemorrhage?

Brain hemorrhage is a type of stroke which is also known as brain hemorrhage. This condition occurs when an artery in the brain bursts.

This bleeding causes irritation and swelling of the brain tissue, also known ascerebral edema. Blood will pool and clot (hematoma). These clots can put pressure on the brain tissue, eventually affecting the blood flow around it.

Blood flow is not smooth, preventing cells in the brain from getting oxygen and food. Finally, the brain cells are damaged and die.

Bleeding can occur within the brain, between the brain and the membranes that line it, between the brain's protective layers, or between the skull and the brain's protective layer.

This condition is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment. In some cases, patients with this condition end up with permanent paralysis. However, not a few patients have managed to recover completely.

Possible complications can include stroke, loss of brain function or side effects of medications or treatments. Death can occur quickly, even with immediate medical care.

How common is brain hemorrhage?

Bleeding that occurs in the brain is a very common condition and can affect patients of any age group. However, this condition is more often found in adult patients than in people who are younger.

In addition, this disorder is more common in male patients than female. As many as 15% of strokes are associated with a cerebral hemorrhage.

Although it is more common in adults, it is not uncommon for brain hemorrhages to occur in children and newborns. Generally, the condition is caused by a blood vessel anomaly or an injury at birth.

This condition can be treated by recognizing what the risk factors are. To find out more information about this disease, you can discuss it directly with your doctor.

Type

What are the types of brain hemorrhages?

Brain hemorrhage is a condition that can be divided into several types. This type of division is carried out based on the location of the bleeding.

The following are the most common types of brain hemorrhages:

1. Intracerebral

This type of bleeding is among the most common. Intracerebral hemorrhage occurs when blood vessels in the brain burst and blood flows in the brain tissues. This bleeding causes brain cells to die and some parts of the brain fail to function normally.

Generally, intracerebral bleeding is caused by high blood pressure or a genetic disorder such as arteriovenous malformation (AVM).

2. Subarachnoid

This type of brain hemorrhage occurs in the part between the brain and the membrane tissue that lines the brain, or what is often referred to as the subarachnoid space.

3. Subdural

Bleeding that occurs under the dura mater and over the membranes that line the brain. The durameter layer is the hardest layer under the skull bone

4. Epidural

Bleeding that develops under the skull (above the dura meter).

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of a brain hemorrhage?

The signs and symptoms that appear in this condition are usually quite diverse. Symptoms that arise depend on the location of the bleeding, its severity, and how much brain tissue is affected.

In addition, the symptoms of a cerebral hemorrhage may appear suddenly or develop over time. The most common symptoms are headaches, visual disturbances, and balance problems.

The following are the most common signs and symptoms in cerebral hemorrhage patients:

• Sudden, severe headache
• Weakness in the arms or legs
• Nauseous vomit
• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
• Difficulty swallowing
• Difficulty writing or reading
• Impaired vision in one or both eyes
• Loss of balance and coordination, dizziness
• Apathy, sleepy
• Loss of consciousness
• Dazed, delirious
• A malfunctioning sense of taste

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

We recommend that you consult a doctor as soon as possible if you have experienced the signs or symptoms above. Prompt treatment is expected to reduce complications and speed up recovery.

Each person's body may show varying signs and symptoms. To get the right treatment and according to your health condition, always consult a doctor.

Cause

What causes brain bleeding?

The causes of bleeding in or around the brain vary, from head injuries to high blood pressure to other health problems.

Here are some of the causes of brain bleeding:

1. Trauma to the head

Injury is one of the main causes of bleeding in the brain. This condition is more common in people under 50 years of age.

2. High blood pressure

Chronic high blood pressure can weaken the walls of blood vessels over a long period of time. If this condition is not treated immediately, blood will collect in the brain and cause symptoms of a stroke.

3. Aneurysm

Aneurysm is a condition in which the walls of the blood vessels in the brain weaken and become swollen. This swelling has the potential to burst and lead to bleeding in the brain, as well as the appearance of stroke symptoms.

4. Abnormalities of blood vessels

A condition which is also known as arteriovenous malformations (AVM) This occurs due to weakening of the blood vessels in and around the brain. Usually, this disorder appears at birth and is only diagnosed when symptoms appear.

5. Amyloid angiopathy

Abnormalities in the walls of blood vessels due to aging and high blood pressure are known as amyloid angiopathy. This condition may start with light bleeding, which then progresses to severe bleeding.

6. Blood disorders

Blood disorders such as hemophilia and sickle cell anemia can affect the production of platelets in the blood. This can be fatal to a brain hemorrhage.

7. Heart problems

This condition is associated with increased bleeding in the body as a whole.

Risk factors

What increases my risk of a brain hemorrhage?

Brain hemorrhage is a brain disorder that can affect people of all ages and races. However, there are several factors that can increase a person's risk of developing the condition.

The following are risk factors for bleeding in or around the brain:

1. Age

Brain hemorrhage is more common in adults and the elderly, although children also have the opportunity to suffer from this disease.

2. Gender

Brain hemorrhage cases are more common in male patients than female.

3. Have a history of hypertension

If you have had or are having problems with high blood pressure, your chances of bleeding are higher.

4. Suffering from heart disease

Heart problems or diseases have the potential to affect blood pressure. This of course increases the risk of your brain bleeding.

5. Suffered from a stroke

Stroke and cerebral hemorrhage are two conditions that are often closely related. As many as 15 percent of stroke cases are related to bleeding that occurs in the brain. In addition, about 40 percent of deaths from stroke are also caused by brain bleeding.

6. Taking drugs

Illegal drugs such as cocaine that are consumed in excess can weaken the blood vessels in the brain. This can increase the risk of bleeding.

Complications

What are the complications caused by cerebral hemorrhage?

Some complications can arise due to bleeding that occurs in the brain. Bleeding causes cells in the brain to fail to coordinate with other organs. This can result in malfunctioning of the body's organs.

Some of the problems that often arise due to brain bleeding are impaired body movement, speech, or memory abilities.

Depending on the location of the bleeding and its severity, some complications are likely to be permanent. Some of them are:

• Paralysis
• Some parts of the body feel weak or numb
• Difficulty swallowing or dysphagia
• Impaired eyesight
• Trouble speaking
• Difficulty understanding words or information
• Confusion
• Memory loss
• Changes in nature and emotional problems (depression)
• Fever
• Swelling of the brain
• Seizures
• Pneumonia

Diagnosis & Treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How is brain hemorrhage diagnosed?

If you experience signs and symptoms of cerebral hemorrhage, consult a doctor as soon as possible. Bleeding that is diagnosed and treated as early as possible can speed up the recovery process and increase the effectiveness of treatment.

In the diagnosis process, the doctor will ask you what symptoms you feel, previous health problems, current medications, and family history of illnesses.

After that, the doctor will perform a neurological or eye examination, which can show swelling of the optic nerve.

Some additional examinations such as photo taking tests will also be done to get a more accurate diagnosis. These tests include:

1. CT scan

This test can help examine the anatomical structures in the brain. The goal is to detect bleeding in the brain. Another type of CT scan, namely CT angiography, is done by injecting fluids into the bloodstream. This fluid will show contrast when scanned, so bleeding arteries can be seen clearly.

2. Angiogram

Angiogram is a procedure that involves inserting a catheter into an artery. This catheter will be inserted until it reaches the blood vessels in the brain. Once the catheter is in the right position, certain fluids will be injected into the bloodstream, similar to a CT angiography procedure.

3. MRI scan

An MRI scan procedure uses a magnetic field and radio frequency waves to provide a clear picture of your brain tissues.

Certain procedures such as a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) are usually not performed, as they are dangerous and can worsen the bleeding condition.

How is brain hemorrhage treated?

Handling and treatment of brain hemorrhage aims to increase the chances of recovery, reduce symptoms, and prevent complications.

If the cause and location of the bleeding are known, the doctor will treat it with drugs, medical treatment, or surgery. The goal is to stop bleeding, eliminate blood clots, and reduce pressure on the brain.

In general, patients with light bleeding will be treated with medical care and medication. However, patients with more severe bleeding will be treated with surgical or surgical procedures.

1. Medical care

Patients will be admitted to the stroke unit or ICU so that they can be monitored and managed intensively. The following is a series of treatments that may be performed by doctors:

• Administration of drugs that reduce blood clots
• Blood pressure control
• Monitor the pressure on the skull
• Catheter placement
• Handling hyperventilation

2. Operation

The goal of surgery is to remove as many blood clots as possible, as well as reduce bleeding. There are two choices of surgery methods, namely craniotomy and stereotactic clot aspiration.

Craniotomy surgery is performed by making a hole in the head of the head to remove blood clots. However, this technique is high risk, so it is only used when the clot is located close to the surface of the brain.

Operation stereotactic clot aspiration is a technique performed for clots that occur in the inner brain. This procedure uses an endoscope or a needle that is inserted with the aid of a tool stereotactic, to detect where the clots are.

3. Medicines

For further treatment, the doctor may also prescribe several types of drugs. The goal is to control blood pressure, prevent seizures, reduce pain, and help patients who have difficulty swallowing.

The following are medicines that the doctor prescribes:

• Sedative
• Antiepileptic or anticonvulsant drugs
• Pain-killer
• Diuretic drugs and corticosteroids

Long-term treatment will be needed to treat symptoms caused by damage to the brain. Depending on your symptoms, treatment may include physical therapy and speech therapy.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat a brain hemorrhage?

Here are the lifestyle that can help you deal with brain hemorrhages:

• Treat high blood pressure. Research shows 80% of patients with cerebral hemorrhages have a history of high blood pressure. The most important thing you can do is control your blood pressure with diet, exercise and medication.
• Do not smoke.
• Be careful with substances such as cocaine that can increase bleeding in the brain.
• Drive carefully and wear a seat belt.
• If you ride a motorcycle, wear a helmet.
• Be careful with coumadins. If you are taking this drug, also known as warfarin, check with your doctor regularly to make sure your blood levels are in the right range.
• Keep diabetes under control
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.