Overview

A hemorrhagic stroke develops when a blood vessel (artery) in the brain leaks or bursts (ruptures). This causes bleeding:

• Inside the brain tissue (intracerebral hemorrhage).
• Near the surface of the brain (subarachnoid hemorrhage or subdural hemorrhage). A common cause of subarachnoid hemorrhage is the rupture of an aneurysm.

Hemorrhagic strokes are not as common as strokes caused by a blood clot (ischemic strokes (Figure 1)).

How is a hemorrhagic stroke treated?

Treatment includes efforts to control bleeding, reduce pressure in the brain, and stabilize vital signs, especially blood pressure.

• To stop the bleeding, you may be given medicine or a transfusion of parts of blood, such as plasma. These are given through an I.V.
• You will be closely monitored for signs of increased pressure on the brain. These signs include restlessness, confusion, trouble following commands, and headache.
• If the bleeding is due to a ruptured brain aneurysm, surgery or a procedure to repair the aneurysm may be done.
• In some cases, medicines may be given to control blood pressure, brain swelling, blood sugar levels, fever, and seizures.
• If a large amount of bleeding has occurred and symptoms are quickly getting worse, you may need surgery to remove the blood that has built up inside the brain and to lower pressure inside the head.

Ask your doctor if a stroke rehab program is right for you. Starting a rehab program can help you recover. And it may help you regain abilities that you may have lost.

Stroke: Fast facts, video

What Is a Stroke?, video

Figure 1 - Ischemic Versus Hemorrhagic Stroke

An ischemic stroke happens when a blood vessel (artery) supplying blood to an area of the brain becomes blocked by a blood clot.

A hemorrhagic stroke happens when an artery in the brain leaks or bursts (ruptures).

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.