Hemorrhagic Strokes and Treatment

Hemorrhagic strokes happen less often than ischemic strokes. 

A hemorrhagic stroke is caused when a blood vessel bursts and blood spills into the brain.

The spill causes increased pressure and swelling, resulting in damage to the brain.

Quick treatment is essential to saving a person’s life.

Intracerebral hemorrhagic strokes

High blood pressure is the main cause of intracerebral strokes. These strokes occur when blood vessels already damaged by hardened or narrowed arteries (atherosclerosis) leak into the brain.

Subarachnoid hemorrhagic strokes

This type of stroke may occur when an aneurysm-a blood vessel with a weak spot-bursts, leaking blood into an area between the brain and the skull (the subarachnoid space).

Diagnosing hemorrhagic strokes

Diagnostic tests such as CT and CTA scans can help identify the source of bleeding:

• CT scan shows the location and size of the blood, as well as any brain swelling.
• CTA scans examine the brain’s blood vessels for a possible malformation.

Treating Hemorrhagic Strokes

Bleeding (hemorrhagic) strokes are treated with medications to control blood pressure and reduce swelling in the brain. Some bleeding strokes may be treated with surgery.

Your Treatment Plan May Also Include:

• Blood pressure control
• Smoking cessation
• Lifestyle changes
• Physical rehab
• Speech rehab
• Blood thinner medication