Common Side Effects of a Brain Hemorrhage

A brain hemorrhage also known as a brain bleed is one of the most critical and life-threatening medical emergencies. Whether caused by trauma, stroke, or an underlying health condition, it disrupts the delicate balance of blood flow in the brain, leading to potentially irreversible damage.

Understanding the side effects of a brain hemorrhage can help you recognize symptoms early and appreciate the urgency of swift medical care.

What Is a Brain Hemorrhage?

Brain hemorrhages are classified based on where the bleeding occurs:

• Subarachnoid hemorrhage: Bleeding between the brain and skull, causing pressure on the brain’s surface.

• Intracerebral hemorrhage: Bleeding directly into the brain tissue due to a ruptured blood vessel.

Bleeding can also happen outside the brain due to falls or head trauma, especially in older adults. According to the American Stroke Association, while hemorrhagic strokes make up only 13% of all strokes, they’re often more severe and more likely to be fatal.

Immediate Consequences of a Brain Bleed

When bleeding occurs in the brain, it sets off a chain of dangerous events:

• Loss of brain cells: The brain requires a constant supply of oxygen and glucose carried by blood. When blood leaks into the tissue, oxygen flow is cut off, starving brain cells and causing them to die.

• Increased intracranial pressure (ICP): As blood builds up, it creates pressure inside the skull. This swelling restricts oxygen even further, increasing the risk of serious damage or death. Subarachnoid hemorrhages, in particular, can cause a rapid spike in pressure, often experienced as a sudden, intense headache.

• Decreased consciousness and motor function: Brain bleeds can lead to confusion, drowsiness, or even coma. People may also experience partial paralysis, blurred vision, slurred speech, and difficulty swallowing.

• Vasospasm and artery spasms: Days after the bleed, the body may respond with vasospasms narrowing of nearby arteries. These spasms can cut off circulation to surrounding brain tissue, worsening damage and increasing the risk of complications such as secondary strokes.

• Seizures and neurological decline: Seizures are common in the aftermath of a hemorrhage. Ongoing swelling and pressure can impair vital functions controlled by the brain, affecting memory, coordination, language, and mood.

Symptoms to Watch For

Brain hemorrhages present differently depending on where the bleeding occurs. Common signs include:

• Sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body

• Loss of balance, dizziness, or coordination problems

• Blurred or double vision

• Severe headache that comes on quickly

• Difficulty speaking, understanding speech, or writing

• Changes in alertness, such as confusion or sleepiness

• Seizures or unconsciousness

If you or someone you’re with experiences any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical care immediately. Fast intervention can mean the difference between recovery and permanent impairment.

The Long-Term Impact

Recovery from a brain hemorrhage varies widely. Some people regain full function, while others may experience long-term effects such as:

• Speech and language difficulties

• Cognitive and memory problems

• Motor impairment or partial paralysis

• Emotional or behavioral changes

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, stroke including hemorrhagic stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability in adults. Rehabilitation can involve physical therapy, speech therapy, and ongoing neurological care.

Know Your Risk

Common causes of brain hemorrhage include:

• Head trauma, especially in falls

• High blood pressure (the leading cause of intracerebral hemorrhages)

• Blood vessel abnormalities (like aneurysms or arteriovenous malformations)

• Blood thinning medications

• Conditions like liver disease or bleeding disorders

Regular health check-ups, managing blood pressure, and avoiding unnecessary head trauma can help reduce your risk.

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