What is hemorrhagic stroke?

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).

The most common symptom of hemorrhagic stroke is a sudden and severe headache. Many people describe it as "the worst headache of my life."

If you have any stroke symptoms, call 911 or other emergency services right away.

• Stroke symptoms include:
  • Sudden numbness, tingling, weakness, or loss of movement in your face, arm, or leg, especially on only one side of your body.
  • Sudden vision changes.
  • Sudden trouble speaking.
  • Sudden confusion or trouble understanding simple statements.
  • Sudden problems with walking or balance.
  • A sudden, severe headache that is different from past headaches.
  • Fainting.
  • A seizure.

Other symptoms include:

• Nausea and vomiting.
• Neck stiffness.
• Dizziness.
• Changes in mental state, such as irritability or confusion.

Emergency treatment is done to stop the bleeding and prevent damage to the brain.

• You may need surgery or a procedure to repair an aneurysm or to remove the blood that has built up inside the brain.
• You may be given medicine to stop the bleeding.
• You will be closely watched for signs of increased pressure on the brain. These signs include restlessness, confusion, trouble following commands, and headache.
• You may take medicine to manage high blood pressure and prevent other problems.

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