Brain bleeding
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Brain Bleeding: Insights from Recent Research
Small Cerebral Bleeds in Neurodegenerative Dementia Syndromes
Small cerebral bleeds are commonly observed in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), but they also occur in other neurodegenerative dementias and even in individuals without cognitive impairment. A study comparing the bleeding load in different dementia syndromes found that micro-bleeds were more frequent in the cerebral cortex of AD and Lewy body dementia patients. These bleeds were also prevalent around the dentate nucleus of the cerebellum and in the tegmentum pontis of patients with progressive supranuclear palsy. In contrast, the bleeding load in frontotemporal lobar degeneration and corticobasal degeneration was similar to that in age-matched controls. The study concluded that cerebrovascular lesions, including micro-bleeds, predominated in AD brains with CAA, while mini-bleeds were more related to the neurodegenerative process itself, reflecting blood-brain barrier disruption.
Coagulation Changes Following Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant public health concern, affecting millions annually. TBI often leads to disturbances in the blood-brain barrier, resulting in intracerebral hemorrhage and altered clinical outcomes. The hemostatic alterations following TBI are due to a delicate balance disruption between bleeding and thrombosis, exacerbating the initial injury. Factors such as the time from injury to treatment, age, gender, and pre-existing conditions influence the hemocoagulative response. Monitoring these changes is crucial for therapeutic decisions, including the use of hemostatic agents like tranexamic acid .
Intracranial Bleeding in Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Surgery
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a neurosurgical treatment for movement disorders, but it carries a risk of intracranial bleeding. A systematic review and meta-analysis found that the incidence of intracranial bleeding was 2.5% per patient and 1.4% per implanted lead. Older patients had a higher risk of hemorrhage, but no significant difference was observed between genders. Hypertension showed a nonsignificant trend towards increased bleeding risk. The use of microelectrode recording did not affect the bleeding rate.
Prognosis of Intracranial Bleeding in TBI Patients
Intracranial bleeding (IB) is a serious consequence of TBI, with subdural hemorrhages being the most common. A study analyzing data from a large European trauma registry found that large IBs were associated with increased mortality compared to small IBs. Subdural, intraparenchymal, and epidural hemorrhages all showed higher mortality odds ratios when large. The study highlighted the need for treatments to prevent the increase in bleeding extent post-injury.
Seizures After Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Seizures are a common complication following intracerebral hemorrhage. A retrospective study of patients with intracerebral hemorrhage found that continuous electroencephalography (cEEG) was useful in detecting electrographic seizures and periodic discharges. This type of monitoring can help in managing and predicting outcomes for patients with brain bleeds.
Delayed Bleeding in Patients on Antiplatelet Therapy After Mild TBI
Patients on antiplatelet therapy (APA) who suffer mild TBI are at risk for delayed intracranial bleeding (DB). A systematic review and meta-analysis found that the pooled absolute risk for DB was 0.77%, with a higher risk in patients on dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) compared to those on acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) alone. The study suggested that routine repeated CT scans might not be necessary for all patients but could be useful for high-risk individuals.
Detection of Small Brain Bleeds Using Electrical Impedance Tomography
Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is a novel diagnostic tool for detecting small brain bleeds. This noninvasive method uses alternating currents applied to electrodes on the skin to detect changes in impedance caused by bleeding. Studies have shown that EIT can detect small bleeds in the center of the head, even with large changes in electrode impedances, making it a promising tool for early diagnosis of brain hemorrhages.
Subdural Bleeding in Infants
Subdural bleeding (SDB) in infants is often associated with nonaccidental head injury (NAHI). A study analyzing autopsies of infants found that trauma, particularly NAHI, was the most common cause of SDB. The study argued against the "unified hypothesis" that links SDB to hypoxia and brain swelling, reinforcing the association between SDB and traumatic injury in infants.
Conclusion
Brain bleeding, whether due to neurodegenerative diseases, traumatic injuries, or surgical procedures, presents significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Advances in diagnostic tools like electrical impedance tomography and deep learning models for CT scan analysis, along with a better understanding of the hemostatic changes post-injury, are crucial for improving patient outcomes. Continued research and tailored therapeutic strategies are essential for managing the complex interplay of factors influencing brain bleeding.
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