What is hemorrhage in the brain

Amyloid is a protein that can weaken blood vessels and make them brittle. An aneurysm is a weakening in the blood vessels that swell and can burst. Steineke says. Arteriovenous malformations are abnormally formed connections between the arteries and the veins.

ICH is most commonly caused by hypertension, arteriovenous malformations, or head trauma. Treatment focuses on stopping the bleeding, removing the blood clot hematoma , and relieving the pressure on the brain. Tiny arteries bring blood to areas deep inside the brain see Anatomy of the Brain.

High blood pressure hypertension can cause these thin-walled arteries to rupture, releasing blood into the brain tissue. Enclosed within the rigid skull, clotted blood and fluid buildup increases pressure that can crush the brain against the bone or cause it to shift and herniate Fig.

As blood cells within the clot die, toxins are released that further damage brain cells in the area surrounding the hematoma. An ICH can occur close to the surface or in deep areas of the brain. Blockage of the normal cerebrospinal CSF circulation can enlarge the ventricles hydrocephalus causing confusion, lethargy, and loss of consciousness.

If you experience the symptoms of an ICH, call immediately! Symptoms usually come on suddenly and can vary depending on the location of the bleed. Common symptoms include:. Ten percent of strokes are caused by ICH. ICH occurs slightly more frequently among men than women and is more common among young and middle-aged African Americans and Japanese.

Advancing age and hypertension are the most important risk factors for ICH. An aneurysm is a ballooning of a weakened region of a blood vessel.

If left untreated, the aneurysm continues to weaken until it ruptures and bleeds into the brain. Stroke is a medical emergency. If someone is experiencing symptoms, they should still call as soon as possible. By learning and sharing the F. Stay informed on the latest stroke news and resources. Read more about: diagnosing a subarachnoid haemorrhage treating a subarachnoid haemorrhage What causes subarachnoid haemorrhages?

It's not known exactly why brain aneurysms develop in some people. But certain risk factors have been identified, including: smoking high blood pressure excessive alcohol consumption Severe head injuries can cause subarachnoid bleeding, but this is a separate problem known as a traumatic subarachnoid haemorrhage.

Who's affected? Reducing your risk There are some things you can do to reduce your risk of a subarachnoid haemorrhage. The most effective steps you can take to reduce your chances of having a subarachnoid haemorrhage are: stop smoking — your GP can refer you to an NHS Stop Smoking Service for help and advice, or you can call the NHS Smoking Helpline on moderate your alcohol consumption take steps to prevent high blood pressure — such as regular exercise , eating a healthy diet and losing weight if you're overweight Possible complications A subarachnoid haemorrhage can cause both short and long-term complications.

Long-term complications include: epilepsy — where a person has repeated seizures fits problems with certain mental functions, such as memory, planning and concentration changes in mood, such as depression Read more about the complications of a subarachnoid haemorrhage.

Outlook Although the outlook for subarachnoid haemorrhage has improved in the last few decades, it can be fatal, and people who survive can be left with long-term problems.

Recovering after a subarachnoid haemorrhage can also be a slow and frustrating process, and it's common to have problems such as: extreme tiredness headaches problems sleeping Read more about recovering from a subarachnoid haemorrhage.