Bleeding in the Brain: Symptoms, Types, Causes and Prevention

Bleeding in the Brain

• Confusion
• Headache
• Trouble speaking, seeing, hearing, or moving
• Fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting

Bleeding (hemorrhaging) in or around the brain can cause severe injury. This type of bleeding may be caused by a weak spot in a blood vessel wall - called a berry aneurysm - that ruptures, a head injury, or untreated high blood pressure anf atherosclerosis.

Bleeding in the brain or spinal cord can put pressure on the brain tissues. This pressure can prevent the blood from flowing to tissues in the brain and the tissues may die from lack of oxygen. People who have high blood pressure or atherosclerosis, or who are on blood-thinning medicine are at greater risk of hemorrhages.
Bleeding into or around the brain can occur with stroke, head injury or a ruptured aneurysm. Four areas of the brain can be affected.

Four Types of hemorrhage

1. Epidural hemorrhage: This type of bleeding usually follows a head injury. Blood leaks slowly from a damaged blood vessel into the space between the dura mater and the skull (epidural space). Bleeding next to the skull will lead to headache, confusion, increased drowsiness, nausea and vomiting. As with any of these hemorrhages, continued bleeding can lead to coma and death

2. Intracerebral hemorrhage: Also called hemorrhagic stroke or stroke due to bleeding, this occurs when the blood vessels within the brain tissues rapture or leak, damaging the tissue and causing pressure on the surrounding tissues. People who have this type of hemorrhage are usually middle-aged or elderly and have untreated high blood pressure or atherosclerosis. Symptoms include sudden weakness and confusion or loss of consciousness. The person may also have trouble speaking, seeing or hearing, or moving an arm, a leg or half of the body.

3. Subarachnoid hemorrhage: This occurs when an aneurysm burst in the subarachnoid space, which is between the pia mater and arachnoid membrane that cover the brain. The bleeding increases spinal fluid pressure which causes pressure on the brain. Symptoms of subarachnoid hemorrhage include severe headache, dizziness, stiff neck, tiredness, nausea and vomiting. Being bothered by light is another symptom.

4. Subdural hemorrhage: When blood leaks between the dura mater and the arachnoid layer (subdural space) a subdural hematoma (a swollen spot that contains blood) forms. A subdural hemorrhage is almost always caused by a head injury. Symptoms include progressive drowsiness, confusion, headache, weakness or numbness. Some people lose consciousness and may even lapse into coma. Recovery is likely to be faster and more complete if the hematoma is drained through surgery.

Testing

CT scans will help in the diagnosis. Repeat scans will show whether the bleeding has stopped. The treatment will differ depending on whether the bleeding has stopped or is still on. X- rays of the skull and possibly a spinal tap may also help find the source of the bleeding in someone who has had a head injury.

Treatment

Bleeding in the brain is usually treated by lowering blood pressure and using medicine to reduce swelling and prevent further brain swelling and prevent further brain damage. Life-support measure may be needed if the bleeding is severe.
Subdural and epidural hemorrhage are usually treated by surgical draining the blood. Sometimes the leaking artery is also repaired. Subarachnoid hemorrhage usually results from a ruptured aneurysm that required surgery. First, the person's condition must be stable enough for surgery. This may require bed rest in the hospital.

Prevention

You can help prevent bleeding in the brain by controlling high blood pressure, preventing atherosclerosis, and wearing seat belt when in a car and helmet when riding a motorcycle or bicycle. If any of the symptoms mentioned above occur after a fall or an accident, you should be checked right away by your doctor. This could help prevent further damage and possible permanent disability.