Brain Haemorrhage

A brain haemorrhage, also known as a cerebral hemorrhage or intracranial hemorrhage, occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, leading to bleeding in or around the brain.

Types of Brain Haemorrhage

• Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH): Bleeding directly into the brain tissue.
• Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH): Bleeding into the space surrounding the brain, known as the subarachnoid space.
• Subdural hemorrhage (SDH): Bleeding between the brain and the skull, in the space called the subdural space.
• Epidural hemorrhage (EDH): Bleeding between the skull and the outermost membrane covering the brain, known as the dura mater.

Causes of Brain Haemorrhage

The most common causes of brain haemorrhage include:

• Hypertension (high blood pressure): Uncontrolled high blood pressure can cause blood vessels in the brain to weaken and rupture.
• Aneurysms: A weakened area in a blood vessel wall that can balloon out and burst, leading to bleeding.
• Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs): Abnormal connections between arteries and veins that can rupture and cause bleeding.
• Trauma: A head injury can cause blood vessels in the brain to rupture, leading to a hemorrhage.
• Blood vessel abnormalities: Conditions such as moyamoya disease or vasculitis can increase the risk of brain haemorrhage.
• Anticoagulant medications: Taking blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin or aspirin, can increase the risk of bleeding in the brain.

Symptoms of Brain Haemorrhage

The symptoms of a brain haemorrhage can vary depending on the location and severity of the bleeding. Common symptoms include:

• Sudden severe headache: Often described as the worst headache of their life.
• Nausea and vomiting
• Confusion and disorientation
• Weakened or numb muscles
• Vision changes: Blurred vision, double vision, or loss of vision.
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness

Diagnosis and Treatment of Brain Haemorrhage

Diagnosis typically involves:

• Computed Tomography (CT) scan: To quickly identify bleeding in the brain.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): To provide more detailed images of the brain and blood vessels.
• Angiogram: To visualize the blood vessels in the brain and identify any abnormalities.

Treatment for brain haemorrhage depends on the severity and location of the bleeding, but may include:

• Surgery: To relieve pressure on the brain, repair damaged blood vessels, or remove a hematoma.
• Medications: To control blood pressure, prevent seizures, and manage other symptoms.
• Supportive care: To manage breathing, nutrition, and hydration, as well as to prevent complications such as pneumonia or deep vein thrombosis.

Complications and Prognosis of Brain Haemorrhage

Possible complications of brain haemorrhage include:

• Hydrocephalus: Fluid buildup in the brain that can increase pressure and cause further damage.
• Cerebral edema: Swelling of brain tissue that can lead to increased intracranial pressure.
• Rebleeding: Further bleeding from the same blood vessel or a new one.
• Long-term cognitive and physical impairments

The prognosis for brain haemorrhage varies depending on the severity of the bleeding, the location, and the individual's overall health. Prompt medical attention is essential to improve outcomes and reduce the risk of complications.