Brain haemorrhage symptoms
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Brain Haemorrhage Symptoms
Acute Onset and Initial Symptoms
Sudden Onset and Disturbed Consciousness
Brain haemorrhages often present with a sudden onset of symptoms. Patients may experience an acute onset of disturbed consciousness, which can range from mild confusion to complete loss of consciousness . This sudden change is a critical indicator of a potential haemorrhage and requires immediate medical attention.
Headache and Vomiting
One of the most common initial symptoms of brain haemorrhage is a severe headache, often described as the worst headache of one's life. This is frequently accompanied by vomiting . These symptoms are particularly prevalent in cases of subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) and intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH).
Seizures and Convulsions
Seizures are another common symptom, occurring in a significant number of patients with brain haemorrhage. These can manifest as convulsions or other types of seizure activity . The presence of seizures is a strong indicator of neurological distress and warrants immediate investigation.
Focal Neurological Deficits
Hemiparesis and Motor Deficits
Hemiparesis, or weakness on one side of the body, is a major presenting sign in many cases of brain haemorrhage. This symptom indicates that the haemorrhage is affecting motor control areas of the brain . Patients may also exhibit other motor deficits, such as difficulty in coordinating movements or complete paralysis on one side.
Aphasia and Speech Difficulties
Aphasia, or difficulty in speaking and understanding language, can occur if the haemorrhage affects the language centers of the brain. This symptom is particularly common in haemorrhages involving the left hemisphere of the brain.
Secondary Symptoms and Complications
Increased Intracranial Pressure
Secondary symptoms of brain haemorrhage often include increased intracranial pressure, which can lead to further complications such as brain shift and herniation. These conditions are life-threatening and require immediate medical intervention.
Cognitive and Behavioral Changes
Patients may also experience cognitive and behavioral changes, including irritability, confusion, and memory loss. These symptoms can persist long after the initial haemorrhage and significantly impact the patient's quality of life .
Specific Conditions and Their Symptoms
Subarachnoid Haemorrhage (SAH)
In cases of SAH, early brain injury (EBI) is a critical phase that occurs within the first 72 hours after the bleeding. Symptoms during this phase include severe headache, vomiting, and altered consciousness. Delayed cerebral ischaemia (DCI) can occur days later, leading to further neurological deterioration .
Intracerebral Haemorrhage (ICH)
ICH often presents with symptoms such as sudden headache, vomiting, and focal neurological deficits. The initial physical trauma and mass effect of the haemorrhage can cause significant brain injury, and rebleeding is a common complication .
Arteriovenous Malformations (AVM)
Patients with AVM may present with haemorrhage or non-focal symptoms such as headache and seizures. Approximately half of the patients with AVM experience haemorrhage, which can lead to severe neurological deficits.
Conclusion
Brain haemorrhage is a medical emergency characterized by a sudden onset of severe symptoms such as headache, vomiting, seizures, and disturbed consciousness. Focal neurological deficits like hemiparesis and aphasia are also common. Early recognition and prompt treatment are crucial to improve outcomes and reduce the risk of severe complications. Understanding these symptoms can aid in the timely diagnosis and management of brain haemorrhage, potentially saving lives.
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