What Is a Brain Hemorrhage?

2025-05-07

A brain hemorrhage, or intracerebral hemorrhage, is a type of stroke that occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, causing bleeding into the surrounding brain tissue. This is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. In this article, we explain what a brain hemorrhage is, what causes it, how to recognize the symptoms, and how it’s treated.

What Happens During a Brain Hemorrhage?

When a brain blood vessel ruptures, blood leaks into nearby brain tissue. This bleeding causes damage to brain cells and increases pressure within the skull, which can lead to swelling and further injury [1].

A brain hemorrhage is a form of hemorrhagic stroke, which differs from an ischemic stroke caused by a blood clot. About 15% of all strokes are hemorrhagic, but they tend to have more severe outcomes [2].

Common Causes of Brain Hemorrhage

Several factors can cause or contribute to a brain hemorrhage:

  • High blood pressure (most common cause)

  • Vascular abnormalities (e.g., aneurysm or AVM)

  • Blood-thinning medications

  • Head trauma

  • Bleeding disorders or clotting abnormalities

Sometimes, the cause remains unknown.

Symptoms of a Brain Hemorrhage

Symptoms often appear suddenly and without warning, and they can worsen quickly. Common signs include:

  • Sudden, severe headache

  • Loss of consciousness or altered mental state

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Weakness or numbness on one side of the body

  • Difficulty speaking or understanding speech

  • Vision problems

  • Seizures (especially in larger hemorrhages)

Because symptoms can mimic those of an ischemic stroke, you can’t tell the difference without imaging. If stroke is suspected, always call emergency services immediately.

Diagnosis

A brain hemorrhage is diagnosed using emergency brain imaging, usually a CT scan. This can quickly confirm the presence and extent of bleeding [3].

In some cases, an MRI may be performed to gain more detailed information.

Treatment for Brain Hemorrhage

Unlike ischemic strokes, brain hemorrhages cannot be treated with clot-busting drugs. In fact, such treatment would make the bleeding worse. Instead, treatment focuses on:

  • Lowering blood pressure

  • Stabilizing breathing and circulation

  • Monitoring and reducing intracranial pressure

  • Surgical removal of the blood (in selected cases)

Patients are usually treated in a stroke or neurocritical care unit, where monitoring is intensive and tailored to the patient’s needs [4].

Recovery and Prognosis

Recovery depends on several factors:

  • The size and location of the bleed

  • How quickly treatment was received

  • The patient’s age and overall health

Some people recover fully, while others are left with long-term disabilities. Rehabilitation often includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy [5].

Brain Hemorrhage and Dementia

Research has shown that brain hemorrhages can increase the risk of cognitive decline and vascular dementia, especially when small, repeated bleeds (microbleeds) occur [6]. That’s why prevention – particularly blood pressure control – is key not just for survival, but also for long-term brain health.

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SENSOREM’S PERSONAL ALARM CAN INCREASE SAFETY AFTER A STROKE

References
  1. Qureshi, A.I. et al. (2001). “Intracerebral hemorrhage.” The New England Journal of Medicine.
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). “Stroke facts and types.”
  3. Wardlaw, J.M. et al. (2004). “Diagnosis of stroke subtype with brain imaging.” The Lancet Neurology.
  4. Steiner, T. et al. (2014). “European Stroke Organisation guidelines for the management of intracerebral hemorrhage.” International Journal of Stroke.
  5. Hemphill, J.C. et al. (2015). “Guidelines for the Management of Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage.” Stroke.
  6. Cordonnier, C. et al. (2007). “Brain microbleeds and cognitive impairment.” Stroke.