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Brain Hemorrhage

     

    Brain Hemorrhage

  • Brain Hemorrhage:Causes, Symptoms, Treatment 


IN THIS ARTICLE:-

1.What Happens During a Brain Hemorrhage?
2.What Cause Bleeding in the Brain?
3.What are the Symptoms of Brain Bleeding?
4.How is a Brain Hemorrhage Treated?
5.Can people Recover from Brain Hemorrhage,and are These possible omplications?
6.Can a Brain Hemorrhage Be Prevented?




A brain hemorrhage is a type of stroke. It's  caused by an artery in the brain bursting and causing localized bleeding in the surrounding   tissues.This bleeding kills brain cells.

The Greek root forblood is hemo. Hemorrhage literally means "blood burstingbrain.   hemorrhages are also called cerebral . hemorrhages, intracranial hemorrhages, or intracerebral hemorrhages. They account for about 13% of  strokes.







What Happens During a Brain Hemorrhage?

When blood from trauma irritates brain tissues, it causes swelling. This is known as  cerebral edema. The pooled blood collects into a  mass calleda hematoma. These conditions  increase pressure on  nearby brain tissue,and  that reduces vital blood flow and kills   brain cells.
Bleeding can occur inside the brain, between the brain and the  membranes that cover it, between the layers of the brain's   covering or between the skull and the  covering of the brain.



          CT scan of aspontaneous intracerebral  Bleed leaking  into the 'lateral ventricles'

    

What - Causes Bleeding in the Brain?

There are several risk factors and causes of brain hemorrhages.The most common  include:
  • Heand trauma-Injury is the most common cause of bleeding in the brain for  those younger than age 50.
  • High blood pressure -This chronic condition can,over a long    period of time, weaken blood vessel walls.  Untreated high blood pressure is a major preventable cause of brain hemorrhage.
  • Aneurysm -This is a weakening in a blood vessel wall  that swells. It can  burst and bleed into the  brain,leading to a stroke.
  • Blood vessel abnormalities(Arteriovenous  malformations)- Weaknesses in the blood  vessels in and around the brain may be  present at birth and diagnosed only if . symptoms develop.
  • Amyloid angiopathy -This is an abnormality of the blood vessel  walls that sometimes occurs with aging andhigh blood pressure. It may cause many small, unnoticed bleeds before causig a large one.
  • Blood or bleeding disorders-Hemophilia and sickle cellanemia can both contribute to decreased levels of blood platelets.
  • Liver disease-This condition is associated with increased   bleeding ingeneral.
  • Brain tumors.

 

       
      Axial CT scan showing hemorrhage                                         In the Posterior fossa
                                                                      CT Scan Vein of Galen
                                                                                Malfirmation

         
 Splenial Infarct/Boomerang Sign,
     Spontaneous ICH With
  hydrocephalus on sturge Weber
          Syndrom      




What Are the Symptoms of Brain Bleeding?

The symptoms of a brain hemorrhage can  vary. They depend on  the location of the  bleeding, the severity of the bleeding, and the  amount of tissue affected. Symptoms may   develop suddenly or over time. They may  progressively worsen or suddenly appear.
                            
  If you exhibit any of the following symptoms,you may have a brain hemorrhage. This is a life-threatening condition, and you should call doctor or go to an emergency room immediately. The symptoms include:



  • A sudden severe headache
  • Seizures with no previous history of seizures
  •  Weakness in an arm or leg
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Decreased alertness; lethargy
  • Changes in Vision
  • Tingling or numbness
  • Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Difficulty writing or reading
  • Loss of fine motor skills, such as hand tremors
  • Loss of coordination
  • Loss of balance
  • An abnormal sense of taste
  • Loss of consciousness
Keep in mind that many of these symptoms are often caused by conditions other than brain hemorrhages.




How Is a Brain Hemorrhage Treated?

Once you see a doctor, he or she can determine which part of the brain is affected based on your symptoms.
Doctors may run a variety of imaging tests, such as a CT scan, which can reveal internal bleeding or blood accumulation, or an MRI.
          A neurological exam or eye exam, which can show swelling of the optic nerve, may also be performed. A lumbar puncture (spinal tap) is usually not performed, as it may be dangerous and make things worse.
Treatment for bleeding in the brain depends on the location, cause, and extent of the hemorrhage. Surgery may be needed to alleviate swelling and prevent bleeding. Certain medications  may also be prescribed. These include painkillers, corticosteroids, or diuretics to reduce swelling, and anticonvulsants to control seizures.



Can People Recover From Brain Hemorrhages, and Are There Possible Complications?

How well a patient responds to a brain hemorrhage depends on the size of the hemorrhage and the amount of swelling.
Some patients recover completely. Possible complications include stroke, loss of brain function, or side effects from medications or treatments. Death is possible, and may quickly occur despite prompt medical treatment.


Can a Brain Hemorrhages Be Prevented?

Because the majority of brain hemorrhages are associated with specific risk factors, you can minimize your risk in the following ways:
  • Treat high blood pressure. Studies show that 80% of cerebral hemorrhage patients have a history of high blood pressure . The single most important thing you can do is control yours through diet,exercise, and medication.
  • Don’t smoke.
  • Don’t use drugs. Cocaine, for example, can increase the risk of bleeding in the brain.
  • Drive carefully, and wear your seat belt.
  • If you ride a motorcycle, always wear a helmet.
  • Investigate corrective surgery. If you suffer from abnormalities, such as aneurysms, surgery may help to prevent future bleeding.
  • Be careful with Coumadin . If you take this drug, also called warfarin, follow up regularly with your doctor to make sure your blood levels are in the correct range.
  1. http://www.webmd.com/
  2. http://www.Youtube.com
  3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intracerebral_hemorrhage
  4. http://www.Medlineplus.com/Medlineplus Encyclopedia: "Intracerebral         Hemorrhage."
  5. Cedars Sinai: "Brain Hemorrhage."
  6. American Stroke Association: "Let’s Talk About Hemorrhagic Strokes."





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