While Strokes are Often Caused by Clots, They Can Also Occur as a Result of Bleeding from Blood Vessels
A stroke, also known as cerebrovascular accident (CVA), occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is disrupted, causing brain cells to die. When blood flow to the brain is impaired, the brain cannot receive oxygen and glucose. Though the impairment that causes a particular stroke is often the result of narrowing of blood vessels, blood clots, inflammation of blood vessels, hardening of the arteries, embolism from the heart, or abnormal formation of blood vessels, it can also be the result of bleeding from blood vessels.
Cerebral hemorrhage: This refers to a blood vessel rupturing and bleeding into surrounding brain tissue. It will destroy the brain and the blood causes swelling or cerebral edema. The pressure from the edema causes damage that is even more extensive. Cerebral hemorrhage can be spontaneous (such as a result of malignant hypertension) or as a consequence of trauma or tumor formation.
Subarachnoid hemorrhage: Here the bleeding originates from an abnormally formed blood vessel that leaks and ruptures in the space between the brain and the arachnoid membrane that lines the brain. Often it is caused by an aneurysm (an abnormal ballooning of the wall of a vessel). These lesions often cause a sudden, severe headache and a stiff neck. If not promptly diagnosed, major neurologic consequences such as coma and brain death will occur.
If you or a loved one has suffered a stroke and believe that your doctor failed to diagnose it, you should contact an experienced Georgia medical malpractice attorney to review the details of your particular situation.