Brain Hemorrhage

A brain hemorrhage refers to bleeding either inside or surrounding the brain. This is a life-threatening circumstance because a tear in a blood vessel interrupts the oxygen supply to the surrounding cells and can lead to irreversible damage within minutes.

While most brain bleeds occur suddenly, it can take up to two weeks before you notice any symptoms. You should check any trauma or injury to your head immediately. Monitor any underlying conditions that may lead to hemorrhaging in the brain. The Premier Brain & Spine team has New Jersey’s top specialists and leading experts in managing brain hemorrhages.

In addition to a severe blow to your head while playing sports or from a car accident or other trauma to your brain, other causes of brain hemorrhages include:

• Cerebral aneurysm that ruptures
• Continued, unchecked high blood pressure
• Atherosclerosis, which is a build-up up fat in your arteries
• A blood clot that travelled from somewhere else in your body
• Leaky veins or arteries
• Smoking
• Alcohol and drug abuse, particularly cocaine
• Taking anticoagulants for a blood disorder
• Eclampsia or other pregnancy-related problems
• A brain tumor
• History of strokes

Brain hemorrhages and blood clots are the leading cause of strokes, which occur in children and young adults as frequently as in older adults. Seek treatment as soon as possible when you experience symptoms that could be related to a brain hemorrhage, such as:

• Vision disturbance
• Confusion and drowsiness
• Difficulty breathing
• Dizziness and loss of balance
• Nausea or vomiting
• Numbness or weakness on one side of your body
• Difficulty walking, speaking or understanding speech
• Loss of consciousness

Diagnostic exams, such as x-rays and ultrasounds, help locate the brain hemorrhage and allow your NJ spine and neuro center doctors to determine the cause. Other tests to pinpoint the exact nature of the bleeding may include:

• Urinalysis
• Electroencephalogram
• Thorough study of your vascular system
• Angiography
• A spinal tap

Based on the severity of the bleeding, your underlying conditions and general health, a brain hemorrhage may require a variety of different treatments such as:

• Blood pressure management with medication or anti-anxiety drugs because controlling your blood pressure reduces, but doesn’t completely stop the flow the blood flow
• Removing cerebrospinal fluid inside your brain through a shunt to alleviate pressure, which also helps control the bleeding
• A craniotomy, which creates an opening or a bone flap in your skull to gain direct access to the area of the bleeding
• Stereotactic clot aspiration, which refers to draining the excess blood from your brain and breaking up a clot

Early intervention of underlying risk factors is the best way to prevent brain hemorrhages. A quick response to symptoms lessens the potential for long-term effects. Contact the specialists at Premier Brain & Spine for an accurate diagnosis of your symptoms and effective treatments for any brain disorder and back pain condition.