A brain haemorrhage is a serious medical emergency that demands immediate attention and intervention. Recognising its early symptoms, such as severe headaches, sudden weakness, or loss of balance, can be life-saving.
A brain haemorrhage, also referred to as intracranial bleeding, is a severe form of stroke that involves bleeding within the skull. Since the brain cannot store oxygen, it depends on blood vessels to deliver oxygen and nutrients. When a brain bleed occurs, a blood vessel bursts or leaks, causing blood to accumulate in the skull or brain tissue. This buildup creates pressure on the brain, disrupting the delivery of oxygen and essential nutrients to brain cells.
Without sufficient oxygen, brain cells can begin to die within minutes, making a brain haemorrhage a critical medical emergency. Prompt treatment significantly improves the chances of recovery. To gain a deeper understanding of brain haemorrhage, its symptoms, and treatment, you may consider consulting a specialist, such as Dr. Ajay Kumar, one of the best neurologists in Delhi. Read further to explore the signs and available treatments for this life-threatening condition.
Types of Brain Haemorrhage
Bleeding in the brain can occur in two primary locations: within the skull but outside the brain tissue or directly inside the brain tissue. To better understand these types of brain bleeds, it’s essential to know the structure of the skull and the protective layers within it. The brain is shielded by three membrane layers, collectively known as the meninges, which lie between the skull and the brain tissue. These layers are the dura mater (outermost), arachnoid membrane (middle), and pia mater (innermost). Their primary function is to protect the brain, and bleeding can happen in the spaces between these membranes.
Types of brain bleeds within the skull but outside the brain tissue:
- Subdural Bleed: Happens between the dura mater and the arachnoid membrane.
- Epidural Bleed: Occurs between the skull and the dura mater, the outermost membrane.
- Subarachnoid Bleed: Takes place in the space between the arachnoid membrane and the pia mater.
Types of brain bleeds within the brain tissue:
- Intraventricular Haemorrhage: Occurs in the brain’s ventricles, which are cavities responsible for producing cerebrospinal fluid that cushions and protects the brain and spinal cord.
- Intracerebral Haemorrhage: Involves bleeding directly within the brain tissue, including the brainstem, lobes, and cerebellum.
Symptoms of a Brain Haemorrhage
The symptoms of a brain bleed can differ depending on its type and location but often include:
- Sudden weakness, tingling, numbness, or paralysis in the arm, face, or leg, typically on one side of the body
- Nausea and vomiting
- A sudden and severe headache
- Dizziness and balance issues
- Confusion and difficulty thinking clearly
- Extreme fatigue or sleepiness
- Slurred speech
Additional symptoms may include:
- Vision impairment or loss
- Trouble swallowing
- Stiff neck and sensitivity to light
- Difficulty breathing and irregular heart rate
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness, which may lead to a coma
Causes of Brain Haemorrhage
A brain bleed occurs when a blood vessel breaks, leaks, or bursts, leading to blood pooling in the brain. Common causes include:
- Head trauma from falls, accidents, or sports injuries
- Atherosclerosis, the buildup of fatty deposits in arteries
- Cerebral aneurysms, where weak spots in blood vessel walls rupture
- Blood clots that obstruct normal blood flow
- Arteriovenous malformation (AVM), abnormal connections between arteries and veins that may leak
- Brain tumours that disrupt normal blood vessels
- Cerebral amyloid angiopathy, a buildup of protein in brain artery walls
Treatment of Brain Haemorrhage
The approach to treating a brain haemorrhage depends on the bleed’s severity and location. The primary goals are to stop the bleeding and address its root cause. Treatment options include:
- Surgery
The following surgical interventions are often used to either treat a brain bleed or address the underlying cause.
- Craniectomy: This involves removing a portion of the skull to reduce pressure, allowing the surgeon to treat the bleed source.
- Decompression Surgery: A small hole is drilled into the skull to drain blood and alleviate pressure on the brain.
- Craniotomy: A piece of the skull is temporarily removed and replaced after addressing the bleeding and pressure.
- Medications
To manage symptoms, treat the underlying cause, and prevent complications, doctors may prescribe:
- Antiseizure medications to prevent or control seizures
- Anti-anxiety drugs to help with stress
- Blood pressure management medications
- Corticosteroids to reduce swelling and inflammation
- Pain relievers for comfort
- Stool softeners to minimise strain and pressure during bowel movements
Conclusion
A brain haemorrhage is a life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical attention. Understanding its causes, types, symptoms, and treatment options can significantly improve the likelihood of a positive outcome. Early recognition of symptoms such as sudden weakness, severe headaches, or confusion is crucial for timely intervention. Treatment often involves a combination of surgery and medication tailored to the severity and location of the bleed. For expert care and guidance, consider consulting an experienced specialist like Dr Ajay Kumar, one of the best neurologists in Delhi.
