Intracranial Hemorrhage: Let's talk about this dangerous condition simply

Have you ever heard of someone being hospitalized suddenly because they had a "brain hemorrhage"? Maybe it happened to a family member or friend of yours. A sudden, severe headache, numbness on one side of the body, inability to speak... doesn't it make you cringe when you hear these things? What exactly is intracranial hemorrhage? Why is it so dangerous? Let's talk about it very simply, in a way that you can understand.

What is simply a brain hemorrhage?

Think of your brain as the main computer in your body. This computer needs oxygen and nutrients to function continuously. These are supplied to the brain through a network of tiny blood vessels. Now imagine what would happen if one of these blood vessels suddenly bursts, or if it gets punctured and starts leaking blood?

That's what we call an intracranial hemorrhage . This is actually a type of stroke.

Our skull is like a closed box. The space inside it is limited. So when blood comes out of a blood vessel, that blood collects inside the skull and starts to press on the brain. Due to this pressure, the brain cells stop getting the oxygen and nutrition they need, and those cells start to die. Without oxygen, brain cells can only survive for a very short time, about three to four minutes. Therefore, this is a serious condition that requires emergency medical treatment and can even be life-threatening.

Are there different types of bleeding into the brain?

Yes, this bleeding can be divided into several main types depending on where it occurs. Knowing the exact location is very important for doctors to treat.

To understand this, let's first take a look at the structure of the brain. Our brain is not directly attached to the skull. There are three layers of membranes between the two for protection. We medically call these the meninges. It's like an onion with several layers of skin. This bleeding can occur within the brain tissue itself, or it can occur between these layers of membranes.

You can get a clear idea about these types from the table below.

What are the symptoms of this condition?

Symptoms of a brain hemorrhage can appear suddenly. They can also vary depending on the type and location of the hemorrhage. However, there are some common symptoms that you should pay attention to immediately .

If you experience one or more of the following symptoms, it should be considered an emergency.

• Sudden numbness, weakness, or loss of consciousness (paralysis) of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
• A sudden, severe headache.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Confusion.
• Dizziness.
• Difficulty speaking, stuttering (slurred speech).
• Excessive sleepiness, lack of energy.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Changes in vision, sudden loss of vision.
• Stiff neck.
• Difficulty looking at light.
• Loss of balance in the body.
• Abnormalities in breathing pattern and heartbeat.
• Seizures.
• Loss of consciousness.

If you or someone you know experiences any of these symptoms, you should waste no time and immediately take them to a hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU).

What are the main causes of brain hemorrhage?

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

• Head trauma: A major cause is a severe blow to the head, such as a fall, car accident, or sports accident.
• High blood pressure: Uncontrolled high blood pressure over time weakens the walls of the delicate blood vessels in the brain, making them more likely to burst.
• Cerebral aneurysm: A weak spot in the wall of a blood vessel can bulge like a balloon and suddenly burst.
• Atherosclerosis: This risk also increases as fat deposits in the artery walls harden.
• Abnormalities in blood vessels: Some congenital conditions, such as arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), where arteries and veins are abnormally intertwined, can cause bleeding.
• Brain tumors: Brain tumors can cause bleeding by pressing on or damaging nearby blood vessels.
• Blood thinners/Anticoagulants: These medications, which are used to treat conditions such as heart disease, can sometimes increase the risk of bleeding.
• Smoking and drug use.

How is this condition diagnosed and treated?

When you're admitted to the hospital, the first thing the doctors do is quickly assess your condition. They check your symptoms, consciousness, and body movements.

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 brain to check for bleeding. This is most often used in emergencies.
• MRI scan (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): This can produce clearer, more detailed images of the brain.

After these tests, treatment will be decided based on your condition. There are two main goals of treatment:

1. Stopping bleeding.

2. Reduce pressure on the brain and prevent further damage.

Treatment methods

Treatment methods may vary from patient to patient.

• Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be needed to remove the accumulated blood and reduce pressure on the brain. This may involve making a small hole in the skull to drain the blood (decompression) or temporarily removing a small part of the skull to relieve pressure (craniotomy).
• Medications:
• Medication to control blood pressure.
• Medicine to reduce brain swelling.
• Medicine to prevent seizures.
• Painkillers.

After treatment, many people need rehabilitation to get back to normal. This includes things like physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy.

Can we reduce this risk?

Yes, indeed. While we can't control some of the causes of brain hemorrhage (e.g., congenital conditions), there are many things we can do to reduce the risk.

• Keep your blood pressure under control. If you have high blood pressure, take the medication your doctor prescribes on time.
• Control cholesterol levels.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• If you smoke, stop immediately.
• Limit alcohol consumption.
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet.
• Exercise regularly.
• If you have diabetes, control your blood sugar levels well.
• Protect yourself from accidents. Wear a helmet when riding bicycles and motorcycles. Wear a seat belt when riding in vehicles.

These lifestyle changes will not only reduce the risk of stroke, but will also help protect you from heart disease and many other non-communicable diseases.