What is Intracranial Hemorrhage? Let's be aware of this

Imagine that you suddenly have a severe headache like you've never had in your life. Along with that, you feel dizzy and nauseous. It's not a good idea to just ignore something like this. Because this could be a sign of a serious condition like a brain hemorrhage. This is a condition that requires urgent medical attention. So let's talk about this clearly today.

Simply put, what is a brain bleed?

A brain hemorrhage, medically known as an ``Intracranial Hemorrhage,'' is bleeding inside your skull. This is a type of stroke .

Our brain cannot store oxygen on its own. Therefore, it needs a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients to function. This function is performed by a network of delicate blood vessels throughout the brain. When a brain bleeds, blood either leaks from one of these blood vessels or the blood vessel bursts.

When this happens, blood starts to pool inside the skull. This pooling blood puts a lot of pressure on the brain. This pressure causes the brain cells to stop getting the oxygen and nutrients they need, and those cells start to die.

This condition is common after an accident, such as a fall or a blow to the head. It is also more common in people with poorly controlled high blood pressure.

What are the main types of brain hemorrhages?

Although it's called "bleeding in the brain," this is a very broad topic for doctors. Because it's divided into several types depending on where inside the skull the bleeding occurs. This classification is very important in determining treatment.

To understand this, let's first take a look at what's inside the head. Between our brain and the skull bones, there is a protective covering of three thin membranes. We call these ``meninges``. These three membranes are the ``dura mater`` on the outside, the ``arachnoid`` in the middle, and the ``pia mater`` that attaches to the brain itself. Bleeding can occur either between these membranes or within the brain tissue.

It can be divided into two main categories depending on the location of the bleeding:

1. Inside the skull, but outside the brain tissue.

2. Within the brain tissue itself.

What are the symptoms of a brain hemorrhage?

Symptoms can vary depending on the type and location of the bleeding. But there are some common signs that can be seen. If you or someone you know experiences one or more of these, it is essential to seek medical advice immediately.

What causes bleeding in the brain?

There are several reasons why a blood vessel in the brain may leak blood or burst.

• Head trauma: This can happen when the head is hit hard, such as in a fall, car accident, or other accident while playing sports.
• High blood pressure: This is the most common cause. If the pressure is not controlled for a long time, the walls of the delicate blood vessels in the brain can weaken and burst.
• Atherosclerosis: Fat deposits build up inside the blood vessels, causing them to become blocked.
• Cerebral aneurysm: A weakening of the wall of a blood vessel in the brain, causing it to bulge like a balloon. This can suddenly burst.
• Arteriovenous malformation (AVM): A congenital condition in which arteries and veins are abnormally intertwined. These can leak blood.
• Brain tumor: Tumors in the brain can put pressure on the surrounding blood vessels and cause bleeding.
• Blood thinners/Anticoagulants: These medications, which are given for some heart conditions, slightly increase the risk of bleeding.
• Smoking and drug use.

How is this diagnosed and treated?

When you are admitted to the hospital, the doctor will quickly examine you. He will check your symptoms, your consciousness, and your physical strength.

Then, you will be referred for an imaging test to see exactly if there is bleeding, and if so, where it is, and how big it is.

• CT scan (Computed Tomography scan): This can quickly take a picture of the inside of the head and check for bleeding.
• MRI scan (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): This can produce clearer, more detailed images of brain tissue.

In addition to this, blood tests and ECG tests can be done to find the cause of the bleeding.

Treatment methods

Treatment depends on the cause, location, and size of the bleeding. The main goal is to stop the bleeding and reduce the pressure on the brain.

1. Types of medicines:

• Medicine to control blood pressure.
• Medicine to reduce brain swelling.
• Medicine to stop a seizure.
• Medicine for pain and anxiety.

2. Surgery:

• In some cases, surgery may be needed to remove the accumulated blood and relieve the pressure. This may involve making a small hole in the skull to drain the blood (decompression) or temporarily removing part of the skull to relieve the pressure (craniectomy).
• If the cause of the bleeding is an aneurysm or an AVM, surgery will also be required to repair it.

The patient is kept in the intensive care unit (ICU) until their condition stabilizes, and things like breathing and heart rate are constantly monitored.

What happens after treatment? Is rehabilitation necessary?

Yes, rehabilitation is often necessary because when the brain is damaged, some of the body's functions can be affected. For example:

• Memory loss.
• Difficulty speaking and understanding words.
• Problems with walking and balance.
• Loss of life in part of the body (paralysis).
• Vision problems.

Rehabilitation therapy helps to gradually regain these lost abilities. This includes physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy. It is like building strength again. The commitment of the patient and their family is very important for this.

Are there things we can do to reduce the risk?

We cannot completely prevent some causes, such as accidents, but by making lifestyle changes, we can significantly reduce the risk of this serious condition.

• Control your blood pressure: If you have high blood pressure, take the medication your doctor prescribes on time. Check your blood pressure regularly.
• Avoid smoking completely.
• Limit alcohol consumption.
• Eat a healthy diet: Reduce salt, oil, and sugar. Include more vegetables, fruits, and greens in your diet.
• Exercise regularly.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• If you have diabetes, control it well.
• Protect yourself from accidents: Wear a seat belt when riding in vehicles and a helmet when riding bicycles/motorcycles.