What Are the Survival Chances After a Brain Hemorrhage?

2025-05-26

A brain hemorrhage is one of the most serious medical conditions a person can face. It involves a sudden rupture of a blood vessel in the brain, causing blood to leak into brain tissue. The damage comes both from the bleeding itself and the increased pressure within the skull. But what are the chances of survival—and what factors affect them?

A Brain Hemorrhage Is a Type of Stroke

Stroke is an umbrella term for two main types of brain injury: ischemic stroke (caused by a blood clot) and hemorrhagic stroke (caused by a ruptured blood vessel). Brain hemorrhages account for about 10–15% of all strokes, but they tend to have a higher fatality rate than ischemic strokes. (1)

Understanding that a brain hemorrhage is a form of stroke helps explain why the symptoms are often similar and why fast medical care is crucial.

Different Types of Brain Hemorrhage

There are several types of brain hemorrhage, and the prognosis varies depending on the type. The two most common are:

  • Intracerebral hemorrhage – bleeding within the brain tissue.

  • Subarachnoid hemorrhage – bleeding between the brain and the surrounding membranes, often due to a ruptured aneurysm.

Both types are serious and can lead to classic stroke symptoms such as sudden paralysis, speech loss, or unconsciousness.

Survival Statistics

Survival rates depend on many factors, but here are some general statistics:

  • Around 40–50% of people with intracerebral hemorrhage die within the first month. (2)

  • Subarachnoid hemorrhage has a mortality rate of about 30–40% within 30 days. (3)

  • Only about 20% of those who survive a severe brain hemorrhage make a full recovery. (4)

Quick diagnosis and treatment in a dedicated stroke unit can improve outcomes.

Factors That Affect Prognosis

Survival and recovery are influenced by several factors:

  • Size and location of the hemorrhage – Larger bleeds or those affecting vital brain areas have worse outcomes.

  • Age – Younger individuals generally have a better chance of survival.

  • Overall health – Conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes increase risk.

  • Speed of treatment – The faster the treatment starts, the better the prognosis.

The Road to Recovery

For those who survive a brain hemorrhage, recovery often involves a long rehabilitation period. Physical, cognitive, and emotional difficulties are common. Many people live with impaired mobility, speech, or memory. Rehabilitation may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and psychological support.

Support from family and caregivers is also crucial—especially as some patients experience lasting cognitive impairment due to brain damage.

A personal alarm that can be triggered at any time

Sensorem’s personal alarm can automatically trigger the alarm in the event of a fall and then automatically call relatives using the watch’s built-in speakerphone with two-way communication. The user can also trigger the alarm manually by pressing the physical alarm button. The personal alarm works outdoors and has built-in GPS positioning so that relatives can see the user’s position on a map in the Sensorem app.

 

 

SENSOREM’S PERSONAL ALARM CAN INCREASE SAFETY AFTER A STROKE

Sources
  1. National Board of Health and Welfare (Sweden). “Stroke – National Guidelines”, 2018.
  2. Feigin VL et al. “Global and regional burden of stroke and its risk factors.” The Lancet Neurology, 2021.
  3. Connolly ES Jr et al. “Guidelines for the Management of Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.” Stroke, 2012.
  4. Qureshi AI et al. “Intracerebral hemorrhage.” The Lancet, 2009.