What is Intracerebral Hemorrhage?

Intracerebral hemorrhage (bleeding into the brain tissue) is the second most common cause of stroke (15-30% of strokes) and the most deadly. Blood vessels carry blood to and from the brain. Arteries or veins can rupture, either from abnormal pressure or abnormal development or trauma. The blood itself can damage the brain tissue. Furthermore, the extra blood in the brain may increase the pressure within the skull (intracranial pressure (ICP)) to a point that further damages the brain.

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What happens?

• A blood vessel in the brain ruptures, causing blood to leak into the surrounding brain tissue. 

• This leakage creates a hematoma (a collection of blood) that can compress and damage the surrounding brain tissue. 

• The damage can be caused by the initial bleeding itself (primary injury) and by swelling (edema) and other complications that occur later (secondary injury). 

Symptoms:

• Sudden, severe headache: Often described as the worst headache of a person's life.

• Weakness or paralysis: Especially on one side of the body.

• Numbness or loss of sensation: On one side of the body.

• Difficulty speaking or understanding language: According to the National Stroke Association.

• Vision problems: Blurred vision or loss of vision.

• Confusion or loss of consciousness:

• Seizures

• Nausea and vomiting​​​