Hemorrhagic Stroke (Brain Bleed) Treatment
What is Hemorrhagic Stroke?
Treatment for a hemorrhagic stroke focuses on stopping the bleeding, relieving pressure on the brain, and preventing further damage. Depending on the cause and severity, doctors may use emergency medications, surgery to repair ruptured blood vessels, or procedures to remove clots or drain excess fluid. Intensive monitoring and rehabilitation follow to restore lost functions and support recovery. Immediate medical care is crucial for the best possible outcome.
What are the Common Symptoms of Hemorrhagic Stroke?
When a blood vessel bursts inside the brain, the bleeding causes sudden pressure and irritation of brain tissue. The symptoms appear very quickly, often within seconds or minutes. If anyone experiences sudden headache, vomiting, weakness, or confusion, call emergency services immediately; early treatment can save life and brain function.
- Headache
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Loss of Consciousness or Confusion
- Difficulty Speaking or Understanding Speech
- Weakness or Numbness (on one side of the body)
- Vision Problems
- Loss of Balance or Coordination
- Seizures
What Causes Hemorrhagic Stroke (Brain Bleed)?
A hemorrhagic stroke or brain bleeding occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, causing bleeding inside or around the brain tissue. This bleeding increases pressure on the brain and damages surrounding cells, leading to sudden neurological symptoms like weakness, confusion, speech difficulty, or loss of consciousness.
- Uncontrolled High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
- Aneurysm
- Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM)
- Head Injury or Accident (Trauma)
- Blood-Thinning Medications or Clotting Disorders
- Smoking, heavy alcohol use, and drug abuse (like cocaine or amphetamines) can damage blood vessels and increase stroke risk.
Indirectly, diet influences risk factors like blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight. A high-salt, high-fat diet can raise blood pressure and weaken vessel health, while a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins helps prevent it.
Sometimes a family history of aneurysms, AVMs, or hypertension can increase your chances. But most cases are due to lifestyle and medical conditions that can be managed or controlled.
What are the Different Types of Hemorrhagic Stroke?
A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, causing bleeding that damages surrounding tissues. There are two main types:
1. Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ICH)
Intracerebral hemorrhage is the most common type of hemorrhagic stroke, where bleeding occurs directly within the brain tissue. Usually results from uncontrolled high blood pressure, head trauma, or abnormalities like arteriovenous malformations (AVMs).
Most common in older adults, especially those with hypertension or long-term alcohol use. Sudden weakness, confusion, vomiting, or loss of consciousness are its common symptoms. Often more localized but can be severe if large areas are affected. Moderate to high, depending on the size and location of the bleed.
2. Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH)
In subarachnoid hemorrhage, bleeding occurs in the space between the brain and its surrounding membranes (subarachnoid space). Usually due to a ruptured aneurysm, head injury, or genetic vascular defects.
More common in younger or middle-aged adults, particularly women. A sudden, severe headache often described as “the worst headache of my life,” along with nausea, neck stiffness, and vision problems are symptoms reported in patients.
Considered more catastrophic because bleeding spreads rapidly around the brain. Very high risk if not treated immediately; even survivors may face long-term neurological issues.
How Is Hemorrhagic Stroke Treated?
Treatment for a hemorrhagic stroke depends on the location, size, and cause of bleeding in the brain, as well as the patient’s overall health. The primary goal is to stop the bleeding, relieve pressure on the brain, and prevent further damage. Here’s a detailed look at the treatment options and what the patient typically goes through during each stage:
1. Emergency Medical Management
When a patient first arrives, the immediate focus is to stabilize vital signs; breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.
The patient is admitted to an intensive care or neurocritical care unit. Oxygen, IV fluids, and medications are given to manage blood pressure, reduce swelling, and prevent seizures.
Continuous monitoring through brain scans and neurological exams. The first 24–72 hours are critical for preventing further bleeding or brain pressure buildup.
Stabilization usually takes a few days, depending on the severity of the bleed.
2. Medication-Based Treatment (Non-Surgical)
If surgery isn’t required, the patient is treated through medications and supportive therapy.
- Antihypertensive drugs to control high blood pressure.
- Osmotic diuretics (like Mannitol) to reduce brain swelling.
- Anticonvulsants to prevent seizures.
- Reversal agents if the bleeding was caused by blood-thinning medications.
The patient may stay in the hospital for 1–2 weeks under observation. Once stable, rehabilitation begins.
3. Surgical Treatment
Surgery may be recommended if there’s significant bleeding, brain swelling, or brain aneurysm rupture.
- Craniotomy (Clot Removal): A neurosurgeon makes a small opening in the skull to remove the blood clot and relieve pressure on the brain. General anesthesia is used, with recovery in the ICU for several days, followed by rehabilitation. Craniotomy surgery lasts 3–6 hours, with recovery taking weeks to months.
- Aneurysm Clipping or Coiling: A metal clip is placed at the base of the ruptured aneurysm to stop bleeding. Coiling (Endovascular Embolization): A thin catheter is passed through an artery in the groin to the brain, where coils are inserted to block the bleeding vessel. These are delicate procedures performed under anesthesia. Coiling is minimally invasive, so recovery is faster than open surgery. Hospital stay may last 7–10 days, followed by several weeks of rest and therapy.
- Decompressive Surgery:If brain pressure becomes dangerously high, part of the skull bone is temporarily removed to allow the brain to swell safely. This procedure reduces pressure and prevents further brain injury. Once swelling subsides, the bone is reattached. ICU stay of 1–2 weeks, then gradual rehabilitation.
What are Rehabilitation and Recovery After Hemorrhagic Stroke?
After a hemorrhagic stroke, the patient’s journey toward recovery begins once the bleeding in the brain is controlled and their condition is stabilized. Initially, the patient is kept in a neurocritical care unit, where doctors monitor vital functions, brain pressure, and neurological response. During this time, medications are given to control swelling, prevent seizures, and manage blood pressure. Once stable, the focus shifts to rehabilitation — a crucial phase that helps the patient regain lost physical and mental abilities.
Rehabilitation usually starts within a few days to weeks after the stroke, depending on the patient’s condition. A multidisciplinary team — including neurologists, physiotherapists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, and psychologists — works together to create a personalized recovery plan. Physical therapy helps improve muscle strength, balance, and coordination; speech therapy focuses on language and swallowing difficulties; while occupational therapy helps the patient relearn daily activities like dressing, writing, or eating independently.
Recovery progress is measured through regular neurological assessments, mobility tests, and cognitive evaluations. While recovery speed varies for each patient, continuous therapy and emotional support from family play a vital role. With timely care, most patients can regain significant independence and lead a fulfilling life after a hemorrhagic stroke.
When to See a Doctor for Hemorrhagic Stroke Treatment?
A patient should seek medical attention immediately if there is any sign or even a slight doubt of a stroke. A hemorrhagic stroke can worsen within minutes, so early action is critical to prevent brain damage or death.
Medical help must be sought if the patient experiences:
- A sudden, severe headache, often described as the worst headache ever.
- Weakness, numbness, or paralysis on one side of the body.
- Difficulty speaking, slurred speech, or confusion.
- Loss of balance, dizziness, or blurred vision.
- Fainting, drowsiness, or complete loss of consciousness.
Even if the symptoms are mild or disappear quickly, a doctor’s evaluation is essential. Prompt diagnosis and treatment greatly improve the patient’s chances of recovery and reduce the risk of long-term complications.
Why Choose Artemis Hospitals for Hemorrhagic Stroke Treatment?
Artemis Hospitals, Gurgaon, is one of India’s leading centres for comprehensive stroke management, offering specialized care for patients suffering from hemorrhagic stroke. The hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art neurocritical care units, advanced CT, MRI, and angiography systems, and a 24x7 emergency response team that ensures rapid diagnosis and treatment. A team of highly experienced neurologists, neurosurgeons, and critical care specialists work together to provide individualized treatment; from emergency stabilization and minimally invasive surgery to neurorehabilitation and physiotherapy. With a focus on precision, safety, and recovery, Artemis Hospital ensures world-class care and better outcomes for patients facing hemorrhagic stroke emergencies.
How to Book a Consultation for Hemorrhagic Stroke Treatment at Artemis Hospitals Gurgaon?
If you or a loved one is showing signs of a hemorrhagic stroke, it’s vital to seek medical help immediately. You can book a consultation with the Neurology or Neurosurgery department at Artemis Hospitals, Gurgaon, by calling the call centre at +91 98004 00498. For urgent or emergency situations, contact the 24x7 Emergency Helpline at +91-124 4588 888 for immediate assistance.
The hospital’s stroke care team provides rapid diagnosis, advanced treatment, and rehabilitation support, ensuring timely and effective care for every patient. Early consultation can make a life-saving difference.
Reviewed By Dr. Rajesh Kumar Singh
Head - Clinical, Emergency & Trauma Services
Artemis Hospitals
