Brain Hemorrhage

Brain Hemorrhage is a type of stroke that takes place when there is bleeding in the brain. This bleeding is responsible for the death of brain cells. Brain Hemorrhage can occur:

• In the brain
• In between the layers that cover the brain
• In between the brain and its membrane
• In between the skull and the membrane that covers it

Symptoms

• Numbness
• Vertigo
• Lethargy
• Unconsciousness
• Vomiting and Nausea
• Difficulty of Movement
• Decrease or Loss of vision
• Difficulty of Speech
• Unexpected Headache
• Difficulty in Swallowing
• Sudden Weakness

Causes

• High blood pressure can cause brain hemorrhage since over a period of time it might weaken the walls of the blood vessel.
• The most common reason of brain hemorrhage in people under the age of 50 is injury to the head.
• Another reason for brain hemorrhage is Aneurysm, which is a weakening in the blood vessels wall. This causes a swelling which can burst and then bleed into the brain thereby causing a stroke.
• Brain hemorrhage may also be caused by amyloid angiopathy. This term is used to describe an abnormality in the walls of the blood vessels. It can take place at any age and may cause small unnoticeable bleeding in the beginning which may later turning into a larger one.
• A few abnormalities in the blood vessels that are present in as well as around the brain could also cause brain hemorrhage. These blood vessels could be present from birth but are only detected if any of the symptoms develop.

Tests

A CT scan is the most important test that is used to confirm brain hemorrhage. A brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) can also be done later to better understand the cause of the bleeding. To identify aneurysm or AVM a conventional angiography may also be done.

A few other tests that may be used to confirm brain hemorrhage are:

• Bleeding Time
• CBC
• Prothrombin or Partial Thromboplastin Time (PT/PTT)
• Cerebrospinal Fluid Examination (CSF) – This test is rarely needed

Treatment

Treatment that is provided immediately:

The immediate treatment for brain hemorrhage is administered in the intensive care unit. It is here that complications are immediately detected. Breathing is a factor that medical personnel take care of since people who suffer from brain hemorrhage may sometimes develop irregular breathing patterns or even stop breathing altogether. It is to prevent the airway as well as deal with other breathing problems that a tube may be placed through the mouth into the trachea. This is done in order to begin mechanical ventilation.

High or low blood pressure is also immediately addressed at the hospital. Any swelling that occurs because of the bleeding in the brain is treated with therapy along with some drugs. To avoid an increase in the pressure in the head, the doctor may also advice bedrest. Laxatives and stool softeners may also be given in order to provide straining which also causes increased intracranial pressure.

The doctor may also prescribe antihypertensive medicine in order to reduce the high blood pressure. In case there are difficulties in swallowing, nutrients and fluids are administered. In order to prevent complications and ensure that there is maximum recovery of function; therapies such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy as well as range-of-motion exercises may be advised.

Surgery:

In many cases, surgery may be required to save a patient’s life or improve his/her changes of survival. Apart from aneurysm, for other types of bleeding, the doctor may remove the hematoma. This is especially in the case when the bleeding occurs at the back of the brain.

To solve the problem of hydrocephalus, which is a term used to describe the accumulation of a water-like liquid within the brain cavities, the doctor may use a special procedure called ventriculostomy.

Different treatments are available for AVM. These treatments include radiosurgery, intra-arterial embolization as well as removal by surgery of the AVM network.

Treatment for long-term:

The treatment as well as recovery time for brain hemorrhage varies from one individual to another. The many therapies that may prove beneficial are speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy or any other therapy that may help to improve the ability to function.

Long term treatment for brain hemorrhage may also involve urinary catheterization or bowel control programs in order to control incontinence. A person who has suffered brain hemorrhage needs to be placed in a safe environment. They also need behavior modification to control dangerous and unacceptable behavior. This term refers to the awarding of appropriate behavior and ignoring inappropriate ones.

To cope with the changes required for home care, family counseling may help a great deal. It may also be helpful to visit nurses, adult protective services as well as other community resources.