Bleeding in the brain is a serious condition that can put a patient’s life at risk. In areas of the brain where the bleeding does not occur, the brain tissue does not get enough oxygen. Without oxygen, brain cells die within three to four minutes, according to the American Heart Association. Injury to the brain or damage to a blood vessel can result in bleeding inside the brain.
Cerebral Aneurysm
An abnormal widening of the blood vessel, a cerebral aneurysm does not result in symptoms until it ruptures, causing bleeding inside the brain. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) states that about five percent of people will have a type of cerebral aneurysm. Symptoms of a ruptured cerebral aneurysm include vision changes, confusion, seizures and speech impairment. Patients may also have severe headaches. Once a cerebral aneurysm ruptures, patients need medical attention immediately. The NIH notes that 25 percent of ruptured cerebral aneurysm patients die within 24 hours, with another 25 percent dying within three months of the rupture.
Stroke
A certain type of stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, causes bleeding inside the brain. With a hemorrhagic stoke, a blood vessel bursts. Symptoms of a hemorrhagic stroke include a severe headache, loss of coordination, change in consciousness, confusion and dizziness. The American Heart Association states that a patient having a hemorrhagic stroke can have either a subarachnoid hemorrhage or intracerebral hemorrhage. With a subarachnoid hemorrhage, the bleeding occurs between the brain and skull. An intracerebral hemorrhage, however, causes bleeding inside the brain, which can put pressure on nearby brain tissue.
Subdural Hematoma
When a patient sustains a head injury, she can develop a subdural hematoma. The blood pools after the injury, putting pressure on the brain tissue. Symptoms of subdural hematoma include weakness, confused speech, numbness, confusion and loss of consciousness. The NIH states that subdural hematoma causes seizures in many patients. Subdural hematoma can also cause brain herniation, in which pressure from the injury moves brain tissue. This tissue disruption can result in a coma or death.
About this Author
Lia Stannard has her Bachelor of Science degree in neuroscience with an emphasis on neuropsychology. She is a certified sexual assault crisis counselor. She has presented her research in memory at several national conferences. Stannard has been a freelance writer for more than five years, covering women’s health, politics and medicine.
