Brain Hemorrhage

 A brain hemorrhage causes the most dangerous type of stroke, as uncontrolled bleeding leads to brain damage. If you face a brain hemorrhage, you need the skill and expertise of the board-certified neurosurgeons at Coast Neurosurgical Associates. The team specializes in comprehensive care, including minimally invasive brain surgery to repair the cause of the bleeding and improve your recovery. They can also screen for and treat the brain conditions that most often cause a hemorrhage. Call the office in Long Beach, California, or use online booking today to schedule an appointment.

What is a brain hemorrhage?

A brain hemorrhage — bleeding in the brain — damages your brain as the accumulating blood increases the pressure inside your skull. Bleeding also disrupts the blood flow, depriving your brain of oxygen. 

There are several types of brain bleeding that cause hemorrhagic strokes:

Intracerebral hemorrhage

An intracerebral hemorrhage occurs as a result of bleeding anywhere within the brain tissue.

Subarachnoid hemorrhage

Membranes between the skull and brain create three layers (the pia mater, subarachnoid, and dura mater) that protect, anchor, and nurture your brain. Bleeding can occur in any layer, but a subarachnoid hemorrhage causes as many strokes as an intracerebral hemorrhage.

Intraventricular hemorrhage

This is bleeding that occurs in the ventricles, fluid-filled cavities deep inside your brain that produce cerebrospinal fluid. Intraventricular hemorrhages are more likely to develop as a result of an intracerebral hemorrhage. 

What causes a brain hemorrhage?

Conditions that weaken blood vessels, such as brain aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), account for most brain hemorrhages. You can also develop a brain hemorrhage from:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Brain tumors
• High blood pressure
• Venous sinus thrombosis
• Bleeding disorders
• Brain infections
• Blood thinners

Substance use disorders may lead to brain bleeding, especially when the abuse involves cocaine and amphetamines.

What symptoms develop due to a brain hemorrhage?

Brain hemorrhage symptoms usually appear suddenly, causing: 

• Severe headache
• Double vision or vision loss
• Nausea or vomiting
• Trouble speaking
• Difficulty concentrating
• Sensitivity to light
• Neck stiffness
• Confusion
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness

Many people experience a classic sign of a stroke: weakness or numbness on one side of their body, in the face, arm, or leg. If you try to smile, one side of your mouth drops down, or you may have one droopy eyelid. 

How is a brain hemorrhage treated?

A brain hemorrhage is a medical emergency. Dial 911 immediately so you can receive life-saving medications on the way to the hospital.

The neurosurgeons at Coast Neurosurgical Associates focus on stopping the bleeding and relieving the pressure, which often requires surgery. They may also perform microsurgery to remove blood clots and treat a brain aneurysm, AVM, or other brain problems contributing to your hemorrhage.

After you leave the hospital, Coast Neurosurgical Associates provides ongoing care, supporting your rehabilitation.

Call Coast Neurosurgical Associates today or request an appointment online if you need treatment for a brain hemorrhage or if you would like to learn more about preventing them.