Hemorrhagic stroke is bleeding in the brain that leads to permanent or permanent paralysis. A weakening or burst of a blood vessel causes hemorrhagic strokes. It occurs when blood or bleeding in the brain or inside the brain tissue. Bleeding can occur when there is a pressure buildup or an aneurysm in the brain.
If you ever experience a stroke, you must know the facts about hemorrhagic strokes. You must understand what causes them and what to do when encountering one.
There are two main types of hemorrhagic stroke. Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when blood vessels in your brain rupture, causing bleeding into your brain tissue. Subarachnoid hemorrhage happens when a blood vessel breaks within the space around the brain. Intracerebral bleeding occurs when a blood vessel ruptures inside the brain itself.
Knowing the difference between the two types of stroke and their causes is important because they require different treatments.
One common misconception is that people don’t know what causes a hemorrhagic stroke. This is a very big mistake. Indeed, we don’t know exactly what causes a hemorrhagic stroke. But we do know enough to treat it.
Hemorrhagic stroke
There are two main types of hemorrhagic stroke. Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when blood vessels in your brain rupture, causing bleeding into your brain tissue. Subarachnoid hemorrhage happens when a blood vessel breaks within the space around the brain. Intracerebral bleeding occurs when a blood vessel ruptures inside the brain itself.
Symptoms of hemorrhagic stroke
Symptoms of hemorrhagic stroke
Hemorrhagic strokes can be difficult to identify. Because of this, knowing the symptoms and what to do is vital if you ever experience any.
Here are some of the most common symptoms:
- Loss of consciousness
- Sudden headache
- Sensitivity to light
- Difficulty speaking
- Weakness or paralysis on one side of the body
- Vision loss
The main cause of hemorrhagic stroke is hypertension, a condition where the blood pressure is elevated. This can lead to a weakened blood vessel wall and increased blood pressure that can damage blood vessels.
Treatment for hemorrhagic stroke
When someone experiences a hemorrhagic stroke, they immediately need medical treatment. After receiving medical care, the best treatment options for hemorrhagic stroke depend on how much bleeding occurs and whether the stroke is a subarachnoid or intracerebral hemorrhage.
The following treatments may be used to treat hemorrhagic stroke depending on the type of hemorrhage and the amount of bleeding.
Subarachnoid hemorrhage
If you experience subarachnoid bleeding, you need to receive immediate treatment. This includes having an IV drip, a CT scan, and a lumbar puncture.
You may also be given medication to decrease the pressure inside the skull. Your doctor may recommend surgery to remove a blood clot from the brain if you have a large amount of bleeding.
Intracerebral hemorrhage
If you have intracerebral bleeding, you need to receive immediate treatment. This includes having an IV drip, a CT scan, and a lumbar puncture. You may also receive medication to decrease the pressure inside the skull.
Surgery to remove blood clots from the brain is recommended if the bleeding is large.
Hemorrhagic stroke treatment
If you’re like most people, you’ve probably never heard of a hemorrhagic stroke. And it’s not surprising. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, only about 10% of strokes are hemorrhagic.
Hemorrhagic stroke is less common than other kinds of stroke, but it’s important to learn about.
As a neurologist, I see many patients with this kind of stroke yearly. But I won’t talk about the symptoms of hemorrhagic stroke here. Instead, I’d like to focus on how you can treat it.
The best way to prevent hemorrhagic stroke is to keep your blood pressure under control. If you have high blood pressure, take your medications as prescribed.
If you notice any changes in your vision or other neurological symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
You can lower your risk by making lifestyle changes if you have any risk factors for hemorrhagic stroke. Stop smoking and limit alcohol intake.
You can also reduce your risk by eating a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
If you experience a hemorrhagic stroke, there are several treatments you can try.
Stroke care is extremely complex, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating hemorrhagic stroke.
The main goal is to stop the bleeding, which means you may need surgery or an angiogram.
You might also need medications to lower your blood pressure or prevent further bleeding.
And you may need additional treatments depending on the type of stroke you experienced.
Sometimes, your doctor may recommend long-term monitoring to help ensure your brain has recovered.
Frequently asked questions about Treatments for Hemorrhagic Stroke
Q: Does being on Coumadin increase the risk of bleeding after a stroke?
A: Yes, Coumadin does increase the risk of bleeding. However, it is an important blood thinner and can be used to prevent future strokes after a stroke.
Q: Does being on Coumadin prevent recurrence?
A: No, being on Coumadin does not prevent a recurrence. Patients should be treated with Coumadin until stable, usually two to three weeks after the first stroke. Unstable patients should then be transferred to another hospital for treatment and monitoring.
Q: Does being on Coumadin help patients recover faster?
A: No studies show that Coumadin helps patients recover faster or decreases the risk of death.
Top Myths about Treatments for Hemorrhagic Stroke
- Anti-coagulation therapy is needed to prevent further strokes.
- Blood thinners cause bleeding.
- A blood transfusion is dangerous.
- Antibiotics are needed to treat stroke.
Conclusion
There is hope if you are looking for treatments for hemorrhagic stroke. There are some effective treatments available.
The good news is that many treatments are available to help with recovery, including physical therapy and cognitive rehabilitation.
If you are looking for treatment, you should visit your healthcare provider. They will have the best information on what is available to you.
