
A hemorrhagic stroke is one of the two main types of strokes. While ischemic stroke occurs due to too little blood supply to a part of the brain, a hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a weak blood vessel ruptures. The blood from the rupture builds up in and compresses the brain or nearby tissue.
According to the American Stroke Association, around 13% of all strokes are hemorrhagic strokes.
How Many Types of Hemorrhagic Strokes Are There?
There are two types of hemorrhagic stroke:
- Intracerebral hemorrhage, which involves bleeding directly within the brain tissue
- Subarachnoid hemorrhage, which refers to bleeding that occurs between the inside and outside tissue layers that cover the brain
What Causes Hemorrhagic Stroke?
The most common causes of hemorrhagic strokes are:
- High blood pressure (hуреrtеnѕion)
- Head trauma
- Bleeding disorders
- Illicit drug use (mostly amphetamines and cocaine)
- Vascular malformations including arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)
Cerebral amyloid angiopathy is a common cause of bleeding strokes. It happens when unusual proteins collect in the blood vessels in your brain. These proteins damage the blood vessels, leading to bleeding in your brain.
Effects and Symptoms of Hemorrhagic Stroke
Hemorrhagic stroke is a medical emergency. The phrase “time is brain” is literal in every sense, as brain cells die during a stroke.
When it comes to recognizing signs and symptoms of stroke, it is vital to BE FAST to seek help and get medical attention immediately. BE FAST also serves as a simple way to help people remember the signs and symptoms of stroke:
- Balance lost – sudden loss of balance or coordination
- Eyes blur – sudden trouble seeing or blurred vision in one or both eyes
- Face drooping – one side of the face droops or is numb
- Arm weakness – sudden weakness or numbness of an arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Speech difficulty – sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech
- Time – note the time the symptoms started and call 911 immediately
BE FAST was developed by Intermountain Healthcare, as an adaptation of the FAST model implemented by the American Stroke Association.
In addition to the above symptoms, headache, vomiting and a decreased level of consciousness can occur with a hemorrhagic stroke.
Treatment is Vital
If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of stroke, dial 911 or visit a UofL Health – Emergency Department immediately. If the stroke is a hemorrhagic stroke, the emergency medical providers will determine the reason why there is bleeding in the brain and then control or stop the bleeding. In some cases, surgery may be necessary for recovery to occur.
As a stroke system of care, UofL Health – Stroke, part of the UofL Health – Brain & Spine Institute, is dedicated to the aggressive treatment of stroke. At UofL Health, we have multiple levels of stroke care available around the region to offer individualized, accessible stroke care to meet each patient’s unique stroke needs. To speak to someone in our stroke program, please call 502-588-4800.
UofL Health – UofL Hospital, the region’s first Comprehensive Stroke Center, offers the highest level of stroke treatment available. UofL Health also offers two Primary Stroke Centers at UofL Health – Jewish Hospital in downtown Louisville and UofL Health – Mary & Elizabeth Hospital in South Louisville. Additionally, we offer telemedicine services at multiple other regional hospitals in the area, such as UofL Health – Shelbyville Hospital and UofL Health – South Hospital.
If you or a loved one is recovering from a stroke, UofL Health – Frazier Rehabilitation Institute has a Stroke Rehab Program that provides comprehensive services to individuals who have experienced stroke and to the individuals’ families and support systems. The program serves patients of all ages, to restore individuals to optimal levels of physical, cognitive and emotional recovery following stroke. For more information, call 502-582-7476.