Learning about Brain Hemorrhages ( Hemorrhagic Stroke )
According to the American Stroke Association , hemorrhagic strokes make up about 13 % of all stroke cases . A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain weakens and ruptures ( breaks ), causing blood to leak into the brain tissue . Other brain cells in the area die because blood does not reach them .
There are two types of hemorrhagic stroke : � Subarachnoid hemorrhage ( SAH ) � Intracerebral hemorrhage ( ICH )
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Subarachnoid hemorrhage ( SAH ) occurs when blood leaks into the subarachnoid space . This is the area between the brain and the thin membrane that covers the brain tissue .
Symptoms of SAH :
� Sudden severe headache ; often described as the “ the worst headache of your life ”
� Nausea and vomiting , especially when combined with other symptoms such as headache
� Sensitivity to light � Stiff neck
� Loss of consciousness , especially at the same time as a severe headache
Aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations are common causes of subarachnoid hemorrhage , in addition to other causes , including head injuries or accidents .
Subarachnoid hemorrhage
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Aneurysm
An aneurysm is a balloon-like bulge on a wall of an artery . Most people are not born with aneurysms . They usually develop slowly and can be caused by multiple things , such as other blood vessel disorders , accidents , or infections . As the bulge enlarges , the vessel weakens and is more likely to rupture .