The Correlation Between Head Trauma and Cerebral Hemorrhage

Did You Know? Hemorrhagic bleeding causes about 15-20% of strokes

Brain Hemorrhages Are Most Commonly Caused by Head Trauma or Hypertension  

Approximately 1.7 Million Cases of Traumatic Brain Injury Occur in the U.S. Each Year

A Cerebral or Brain Hemorrhage is a type of stroke caused by an artery in the brain bursting and causing localized bleeding in the surrounding tissues. Bleeding causes irritation and swelling of the brain tissue, forming a hematoma and increasing pressure on the brain, restricting blood flow and killing brain cells. 

What are the risk factors, causes and treatment for brain hemorrhage? Please read the following information to learn more. 

01 | Causes

The following conditions and risk factors can increase your potential for brain hemorrhage:

• Head trauma
• Untreated high blood pressure (hypertension)
• Aneurysm of the brain
• Blood or bleeding disorders
• Liver disease
• Brain tumors
• Amyloid angiopathy

02 | Symptoms

Symptoms vary and depend much on the location and severity of the bleeding as well as the amount of affected tissue. Symptoms may develop suddenly or progressively. Brain hemorrhage is a life-threatening condition – if you exhibit any of the following symptoms, you should call 911 or seek emergency care immediately:

• Sudden onset of severe headache
• Sudden weakness, tingling in the face, arm or leg, especially on only one side of the body
• Difficulty swallowing, speaking or understanding speech
• Changes in vision
• Loss of fine motor skills, coordination or balance
• Confusion or loss of consciousness

03 | Diagnosis & Treatment

Your medical provider will perform a variety of imaging tests to reveal internal bleeding or blood accumulation, as well as a neurological and eye exam. Blood tests will also be performed to identify potential immune system disorders, inflammation and blood clotting problems that can cause bleeding in the brain.

Once a proper diagnosis has been made, surgery can be expected to relieve pressure on the brain and repair any torn arteries. In addition, medications will be prescribed to help manage pain, blood pressure, and other symptoms. Depending on the extent of the damage to the brain, physical, speech and/or occupational therapy may be required to regain certain skills.

You can reduce your risk for brain hemorrhage by making the following lifestyle changes:

• Do not smoke
• Treat heart disease & hypertension
• Manage diabetes properly

For more information on warning signs and finding support, please visit: http://www.strokeassociation.org/STROKEORG/  

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References

http://www.webmd.com/brain/brain-hemorrhage-bleeding-causes-symptoms-treatments 

http://www.healthline.com/health/lobar-intracerebral-hemorrhage#Outlook8