What Is a Hemorrhagic Stroke?

Stroke is of two types-hemorrhage and ischemic. While hemorrhagic stroke is less common accounting for less than 15 percent of strokes, they are deadly and accounts for 40% of all stroke deaths. Hemorrhagic strokes are either ruptured aneurysm or weakened blood vessel leaks. If a blood spill occurs around the brain, it will create a swelling and pressure. This will damage the cells and tissues of the brain.

Hemorrhagic stroke can be divided into two types:

• Intracerebral hemorrhage
• Subarachnoid hemorrhage

1. Intracerebral Hemorrhage

This is the most common type of hemorrhagic stroke. It occurs when blood vessels in the brain bursts. This results into leaks of blood inside the brain. This bleeding will kill the brain cells, making the affected brain parts to stop working normally. 

Causes of Intracerebral Stroke

• High blood pressure: If the pressure is high, the arteries will be weakened and can result to a tear.

• Aging blood vessels: This is more common in the older people.

• Cerebral amyloid angiopathy: This is a brain condition that involves the buildup of a protein known as amyloid in the blood vessels of the brain. This results in a damage, making the vessels tear. It has been proven that this condition is likely to occur in older people than in younger people.

• Aneurysm: This is a weakened spot on an artery. If the walls are thin because they have been stretched, they will weak and can result to ruptures, especially if one has a high blood pressure. One can be born with aneurysm, but smoking, excessive alcohol intake, use of cocaine, and certain medications can cause an aneurysm.

• Anticoagulant medications: Some prescription medications like anticoagulants are good at preventing the blood from clotting. This type is administered to the patients with irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation) to minimize the risk of stroke. However, if not properly monitored, it can cause bleeding.

• Drug abuse. Continued use of certain drugs such as cocaine is likely to irritate the blood vessels. This will make them weaker and can easily rupture.

2. Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

This is the bleeding that occurs between the brain and the tissues that cover the brain. This area is known as the subarachnoid space.

Causes of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

• A burst aneurysm 
• Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)
• Certain bleeding disorders
• Head injuries
• Blood thinner medications 

Emergency treatment for hemorrhagic strokes

If you suspect that somebody is suffering from a hemorrhagic stroke, it is vital to seek emergency treatment. The treatment will focus on controlling the excessive bleeding in the patient’s brain. It will also dwell in the reduction of pressure that has been caused by the bleeding.

Usually, drugs will be utilized to reduce the blood pressure and slow down the bleeding. It is also important to note that if somebody experiences stroke while on blood thinners, the risk of excessive bleeding is high. Doctors will give the patient drugs that will counter the effects of such blood thinners during the emergency treatment.

You can prevent a hemorrhagic stroke

Preventing this condition is all about knowing the risk factors and how to deal with them. Some of the risk factors include:

• High blood pressure
• Excessive alcohol intake
• Drug abuse

You are therefore advised to seek consultation on how you can normalize your high blood pressure. You should also go slowly on alcohol, drugs, and cigarettes for a stroke-free life.