PATHOLOGIES
Hemorrhagic Stroke
A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, leading to bleeding (hemorrhage) in or around the brain. This bleeding damages brain cells and disrupts normal brain function. Hemorrhagic strokes account for about 13% of all strokes but are often more severe and have higher mortality rates compared to ischemic strokes. There are two main types of hemorrhagic strokes:
- Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH): Bleeding occurs directly into the brain tissue, often caused by high blood pressure, trauma, or blood vessel abnormalities.
- Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH): Bleeding happens in the space between the brain and the thin tissues covering it, typically due to a ruptured aneurysm.
Hemorrhagic Stroke
Risk factors include high blood pressure (the leading cause), aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), blood-thinning medications, head injuries, heavy alcohol use, smoking, and conditions like liver disease.
Symptoms of a hemorrhagic stroke often appear suddenly and include severe headache (often described as “the worst headache of my life”), nausea, vomiting, weakness or numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, vision problems, confusion, loss of balance, and loss of consciousness.
Diagnosis involves imaging tests such as CT scans, MRIs, or cerebral angiography to pinpoint the location and cause of bleeding.
Treatment focuses on stopping the bleeding and relieving pressure on the brain. This may involve medications to control blood pressure and prevent seizures, or surgical interventions such as clipping a ruptured aneurysm, endovascular coiling, or removing accumulated blood.
Preventive measures include managing high blood pressure, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol, and addressing vascular abnormalities. Early recognition and prompt treatment are critical to improving outcomes and reducing the risk of long-term complications.
