What is Cerebral Hemorrhage
Cerebral hemorrhage can be described simply as bleeding that occurs inside the skull. The bleeding may result from the blood vessels within the skull leaking outside or it can occur within the brain tissue and on the brain's surface. The accumulated blood can spread into the brain tissue or between the brain membranes and the skull. Cerebral hemorrhages can lead to fatal outcomes, as they can happen both outside and inside the brain tissue. The common result in both cases is the compression and displacement of the brain tissue.
Symptoms of Cerebral Hemorrhage:
- Usually, unilateral facial paralysis
- Tingling and numbness in the legs
- Difficulty raising and holding the arms up.
- Vision problems, involuntary eye movements, and drooping eyelids
- Difficulty swallowing
- Nausea, vomiting, and taste disturbances.
- Weakness, numbness, and tingling sensation on one side of the body
- Sudden dizziness due to decreased blood flow to the brain
- Lack of balance and coordination
- Severe headache, loss of consciousness, numbness, weakness, difficulty understanding speech, drowsiness, indifference to surroundings and sounds, and speech disturbances are also symptoms of hypertension-related cerebral hemorrhage.
Treatment of Cerebral Hemorrhage
The brain and nervous system contain some of the most delicate cells in the body, making them vulnerable to injury even for a short period if they do not receive enough blood. Brain cells can die or suffer permanent damage even for a brief period without sufficient blood supply.
The treatment of cerebral hemorrhage typically focuses on restoring blood flow to the affected part of the brain as quickly as possible to reduce the extent of damage. Depending on parameters such as the amount of bleeding, the size and location of the affected area, and the underlying cause, surgical operations may be necessary for patients with brain bleeding.
If urgent surgery is not required, patients are treated conservatively. Some patients may fully recover with supportive therapies during the observation phase.
Stroke, cognitive decline, and other therapy and medication-related adverse effects are all possible outcomes. Especially if the operation is delayed, the chances of death increase dramatically. However, in rare cases, even emergency medical care may not be enough to save a patient after a cerebral hemorrhage.
Transient ischemic attacks are common in cerebral hemorrhage. Nevertheless, they can be prevented or mitigated by starting treatment as soon as possible and continuing close monitoring until the risk subsides. Patients with hypertension should have their blood pressure monitored, be encouraged to follow a low-sodium diet, and have medication dosages adjusted to prevent cerebral hemorrhages.
Not smoking or using drugs, always wearing a seatbelt and helmet while driving, adhering carefully to the existing treatment process for those with aneurysms, and continuing routine tests for those on blood thinners greatly contribute to protecting against cerebral hemorrhage.
Why Does Cerebral Hemorrhage Occur?
The most common cause of cerebral hemorrhage is abnormalities in the blood vessels, which can occur spontaneously due to conditions such as high blood pressure or as a result of trauma. Cerebral hemorrhages caused by trauma are quite common. They occur as a result of a blow to the head, leading to bleeding. There are also cerebral hemorrhages caused by abnormalities in the brain's blood vessels. Another type of hemorrhage is intracerebral hemorrhage, which occurs within the brain tissue itself due to structural abnormalities or tumors.
Which Diseases Increase The Risk of Cerebral Hemorrhage?
The most significant risk factor for cerebral hemorrhage is hypertension (high blood pressure). Hypertension increases the risk of vessel rupture and bleeding, making it one of the most common causes of cerebral hemorrhage. Patients with blood disorders, vascular blockages, or heart rhythm problems often require anticoagulant medications (such as aspirin). However, excessive dosing of these blood-thinning medications can increase the risk of cerebral hemorrhage. Additionally, individuals with health issues affecting the intracranial area, abnormalities in cerebral blood vessels, or specific conditions such as tumors are also at risk of cerebral hemorrhage.
Do Brain Hemorrhages Cause Permanent Damage?
If brain hemorrhages or their symptoms are not promptly addressed, they can lead to permanent damage in the patient. Just like in a heart attack, the cells in the area affected by brain hemorrhage suffer damage and cannot perform their functions again, as the brain tissue does not have the ability to regenerate. However, if the collapsed cells surrounding the dead cells can be revived, the extent of the damage may be reduced. Another crucial factor is the volume of the hemorrhage within the skull. Since the skull is a closed box, the amount of blood in a brain hemorrhage exerts pressure on the brain. If this pressure is not immediately relieved when the initial symptoms are observed, it can compress the brain tissue, leading to either loss of life or paralysis.