A brain bleed — or brain hemorrhage — occurs when a blood vessel in or around the brain bursts. When this happens, some areas of the brain can be deprived of oxygen. Blood can also pool, the brain can swell, and both work to create increased pressure in the skull and further injure the brain. These issues can cause permanent damage or be fatal.
A brain hemorrhage can happen at any time. As I’ve seen in my practice, a traumatic injury isn’t necessary. Understanding the risks and signs of a brain bleed — and what action is needed — can save your life or the life of someone you love.
Brain bleed causes and risk factors
Some brain bleeds happen as the result of head trauma. Car accidents, falls, sports injuries, and assault can cause bleeding. But sometimes symptoms don’t appear right away. It can take weeks for signs of bleeding to show up.
For older adults, even mild head trauma can cause a brain bleed. This is especially true for people who use blood-thinning or anti-platelet medicine. I have also treated patients of all ages who didn’t think much about bumping their heads because the injury seemed inconsequential until bleeding symptoms appeared.
But brain bleeds can happen without trauma, too. Sometimes, blood vessels just burst.
These factors can increase the risk of a brain bleed:
- High blood pressure
- Brain aneurysm
- Brain tumor
- Bleeding disorder
- Vascular malformation
- Liver disease
- Older age
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol use
- Use of blood thinners or anti-platelet medication, like aspirin
- Use of stimulants, like cocaine, amphetamines, or heroin
Brain bleed symptoms
One of the most common signs of a brain bleed is severe headache that comes on quickly. People who suffer from migraines have said the pain of a brain bleed is worse.
Other brain bleed symptoms can include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Lethargy or sleepiness
- Sudden muscle weakness or paralysis, especially on one side
- Numbness or tingling in the face, arms, or legs, especially on one side
- Double vision, blurry vision, or vision loss
- Trouble with movement, balance, or speech
- Difficulty swallowing
- Confusion
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
There are several types of brain bleeds, and at Temple Health, we have experience treating them all. No matter the cause or type, one piece of advice is always true: If you suspect you might have a brain bleed, the important thing is to get medical attention as soon as possible.
What to do if you suspect a brain bleed
Call 911 and go to the Temple Health Emergency Department. Our experienced team of specialized neurologists and neurosurgeons are on hand to diagnose and treat the problem right away. Our collaborative group provides personalized follow-up care and shared decision-making as well.
Why immediate help is crucial
It can be tempting to wait and see if a health problem resolves itself. But with brain hemorrhage, prompt care can mean the difference between a full recovery and serious complications or death.
Research has shown that brain hemorrhages often increase in size by at least 33% within the first three hours. The larger the brain bleed, the more dangerous it is.
At the Temple Neurosciences Center, our experts use the latest, most advanced diagnostic and treatment technology. We use CT scans and MRIs to diagnose brain bleeds, along with advanced imaging techniques to identify the source of the bleed. Personalized, effective treatment can include surgery, minimally invasive procedures such as endovascular therapies, or nonsurgical approaches like medication.
All four Temple Health emergency locations are ready to provide acute care when you need it. Temple University Hospital is home to a Level-1 trauma center and a Comprehensive Stroke Center, allowing for the swift identification and management of brain bleeds, regardless of the cause. And the Emergency Department at Temple Health – Chestnut Hill Hospital specializes in the rapid evaluation of neurovascular events. No matter where you seek care, our dedicated team of specialists are here when you need us.
Helpful Resources
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