Cerebral hemorrhage
From ArticleWorld
As well as interrupting blood supply to the brain, cerebral hemorrhages, also called hemorrhagic strokes, disturb the chemical balance in the brain by contaminating the area around it and, if bleeding is not stopped, the increased pressure within the cranium may crush brain tissue.
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Subarachnoid hemorrhage
Subarachnoid hemorrhage occurs when blood enters the space outside the brain, killing 40 percent of its victims immediately and disabling half of the others. The subarachnoid space contains the cerebospinal fluid, or CSF, which encases the brain in a delicately balanced environment. When blood contaminates CSF, the balance is disturbed and damage done. Five to ten percent of all strokes are of this type.
Intracerebral hemorrhage
Up to fifteen percent of strokes fall into this category and occur within the brain itself. ICH also has a high mortality rate (44%) but, while victims of subarachoid hemorrhage die immediately, those suffering an intracerebral survive for up to 30 days.
Symptoms
Symptoms of hemorrhage strokes include a sudden severe headache usually partnered by a stiff neck, pain between the eyes and vomiting. Increased intracranial pressure may be indicated by high blood pressure, unequal pupils, headache and vomiting. Immediate treatment is vital.
Risk factors
Inflammation of the heart, hypertension and arteritis increase the chances of cerebral hemorrhage. Aneurisms are responsible for up to 90% of cases and become particularly dangerous when the artery bursts. Pregnancy also increases the risk. Immediately after giving birth, women are 28 times more likely to suffer hemorrhagic strokes.