What causes brain haemorrhage? Doctor explains symptoms and treatment

Stress and anxiety often take over our minds and bodies, leading to serious health issues like high blood pressure. Extremely high blood pressure could damage or burst the small blood vessels in the brain, causing brain bleeds or haemorrhages. Around 30 – 40 per cent of people who suffer from this condition die immediately, while 30 per cent fall into a coma. Meanwhile, 30 per cent are saved only if they are rushed to the hospital without wasting time. Sudden weakening of hands and legs, falling unconscious and losing the ability to speak are some of the symptoms of stroke. The patient should be rushed to the hospital to swiftly diagnose whether it is due to blockages in the heart vessels or a brain haemorrhage. A CT scan could detect a brain haemorrhage.

High blood pressure is the leading cause of brain haemorrhage. So, those with high blood pressure should try to control it by taking medicines prescribed by doctors. The risk of brain haemorrhage could be averted if you can reduce the stress by at least 10 mm. Meanwhile, brain haemorrhage could also be caused by other factors like neonatal brain bleeds due to structural damage of blood vessels, problems related to arteries and veins, conditions like haemophilia and absence of platelets that support blood clotting.

The liver produces a substance that helps in blood clotting, so liver damage or diseases could lead to brain bleeds. The risk of brain haemorrhage is higher in people who take anticoagulants or medications used to prevent blood clots, so such persons should be careful if they experience a severe headache. Asians are more prone to brain haemorrhages as they are likely to get high blood pressure due to high-sodium cuisines.
Information courtesy: Dr. Vivek Nambiar, Head of Stroke, Department of Neurology, Amrita Hospital, Kochi.