Key Information About Brain Hemorrhage
Brain hemorrhage is a medical condition characterized by bleeding in the brain. It is due to rupture of blood vessels feeding the brain and accounts for up to 20 percent of all strokes. Worldwide, more than 1 million people each year develop this hemorrhage.
CT Scan of Brain Hemorrhage
Head trauma or injuries, brain tumor, cerebral aneurysm, weak artery in the brain, hypertension, abnormal blood vessels, blood diseases, liver problems and drug abuse are known causes of this condition.
Stress can indirectly cause this problem. When people have stress, their blood pressure increases. This can cause blood vessels to rupture, thereby leading to brain hemorrhage.
Symptoms include inability to use fine motor skills, severe headache, weakness in the arms or legs, vomiting, seizures, sudden headache, tingling in the arms or legs, speech defects, nausea, loss of consciousness, numbness in the arms or legs, vision changes, imbalance and difficulty in understanding speech.
Doctors generally examine patient's symptoms, current and previous medical problems, medications, and family history. CT scan, angiogram or MRI may be used to diagnose the condition.
Blood tests can detect defects in the blood clotting system and signs of inflammation or immune system disorders.
Medical analytics company Zebra Medical Vision Ltd. announced on June 2019 that it has received clearance from the FDA for its brain hemorrhage alert technology.
Called HealthICH, the technology is based on an AI algorithm capable of detecting intracranial hemorrhage based on head CT scans.
Treatment decisions for brain hemorrhage depend predominantly on whether there is an underlying lesion.
At least 70 percent of the hemorrhage has to be removed for patients to make a meaningful recovery.
Early treatment includes stabilizing blood pressure and breathing. A ventilator may be used to ensure that enough oxygen is supplied to the brain and other organs.
A procedure (trialed at Cleveland Clinic and 2 dozen other American hospitals) uses a syringe-like device to access the hemorrhage location by navigating through the natural folds and fibers of the brain.
A surgeon makes a dime-sized incision, and “pushes” the device to the problem location – gently moving brain matter to the side, until it reaches the hemorrhage, where blood is captured and removed.
Some patients recover fully after the bleeding if proper treatment is provided, but others survive with various complications.
Possible complications that the patients could endure include loss of brain function, stroke, and adverse reactions to medications.
For those who survive a brain hemorrhage, recovery is slow. A minority of people are able to recover complete or near-complete functioning within 30 days of the stroke.
Nimodipine, a calcium channel blocker, has been shown to decrease vasospasm incidence; typically, it is prescribed as 60 mg P.O. every 4 hours and must be continued for 21 days.
A brain bleed is a medical emergency because if the brain is not properly functioning, it may severely limit cognition, motor function, breathing or other basic bodily functions.
Reducing high blood pressure is still the best way to avoid ICH, said Joseph Broderick, MD, the chairman of the guideline committee and a professor and the chairman of neurology at the University of Cincinnati.
The findings of a Finnish follow-up study (published in Scientific Reports) indicate that as little as a half-hour of light exercise per week reduces the risk of SAH by approximately 5 percent, with the benefit increasing proportionally to the amount of exercise.
Do you keep track of your blood pressure?
Brain hemorrhage is due to rupture of blood vessels feeding the brain.
Stress can indirectly cause brain hemorrhage.
Sudden headache is a symptom of this condition.
CT scan may be used to diagnose brain hemorrhage.
Nimodipine is used to treat this disease.
This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency.
© 2019 Srikanth R