The Medical City Institute of Neurological Sciences
4/F Podium Bldg., The Medical City, Ortigas Ave. Pasig City

Operating Hours: Open daily from 8:00AM to 5:00PM except Sundays and Holidays (All procedures are by appointment only)

Contact Numbers
(632) 8-988-1000/(632) 8-988-7000 loc. 6270

PATIENT SERVICES

Hemorrhagic Stroke Recovery and Treatment in the Philippines

What is Hemorrhagic Stroke?

A hemorrhagic stroke happens when at least one of the brain’s blood vessels bursts, causing bleeding (hemorrhage) in or around the brain. This bleeding increases pressure on the brain tissue, leading to brain damage. Unlike an ischemic stroke, which is caused by a blockage of blood flow, a hemorrhagic stroke results from a rupture, which can be life-threatening and requires immediate hemorrhagic stroke treatment.

Hemorrhagic strokes are less common than ischemic strokes, but they tend to be more severe, leading to higher rates of disability and death. The extent of the damage depends on the location of the bleeding, the amount of blood involved, and how quickly treatment is administered.

What are the Types of Hemorrhagic Stroke?

There are two main types of hemorrhagic stroke: intracerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage.

• Intracerebral Hemorrhage: This is the most common type of hemorrhagic stroke. It occurs when a blood vessel inside the brain bursts, leading to bleeding directly into the brain tissue. The buildup of blood can increase pressure within the skull, causing damage to the surrounding brain cells. Intracerebral hemorrhage is often associated with high blood pressure (hypertension), which weakens the blood vessels over time, making them more prone to rupture.


• Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: This type of hemorrhagic stroke occurs when there is bleeding in the space between the brain and the thin tissues that cover it, called the subarachnoid space. Subarachnoid hemorrhages are commonly caused by the rupture of an aneurysm—an abnormal bulge in a blood vessel. When an aneurysm bursts, blood fills the area around the brain, leading to sudden and intense pressure, which can be fatal if not treated quickly.

What are the Symptoms of Hemorrhagic Stroke?

Hemorrhagic stroke symptoms can appear suddenly and vary depending on the location and size of the bleed. Key warning signs include:

• Sudden and severe headache: Also called thunderclap headaches, these are often described as the worst headache ever experienced. This is a hallmark hemorrhagic stroke symptom, particularly for subarachnoid hemorrhages.


• Nausea and vomiting: Due to the increased pressure on the brain, people experiencing a hemorrhagic stroke often feel nauseous or may vomit.


• Weakness or numbness: Sudden weakness or numbness, typically on one side of the body, affecting the face, arm, or leg.


• Confusion or trouble understanding speech: Mental confusion, difficulty speaking, or understanding language are common symptoms.


• Seizures: Bleeding in the brain can trigger seizures in some cases.


• Loss of consciousness: Severe hemorrhagic strokes can cause fainting or coma.

What Causes Hemorrhagic Stroke?

Several factors can cause a hemorrhagic stroke, most of which are related to the weakening of blood vessels in or around the brain. The primary causes include:

• High blood pressure (hypertension): Chronic high blood pressure is the leading cause of intracerebral hemorrhage. Over time, the pressure weakens the walls of the arteries, making them more likely to rupture.


• Aneurysms: An aneurysm is a weak spot in the wall of an artery that bulges outward. If it ruptures, it can cause a subarachnoid hemorrhage


• Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs): AVMs are abnormal tangles of blood vessels connecting arteries and veins. If an AVM ruptures, it can lead to a hemorrhagic stroke.


• Head trauma: A severe blow to the head can cause blood vessels in the brain to rupture, resulting in bleeding.


• Cerebral amyloid angiopathy: This condition, often associated with aging and Alzheimer’s disease, involves the buildup of protein deposits in the walls of blood vessels, which can lead to bleeding.

How Do You Treat Hemorrhagic Stroke?

Treating a hemorrhagic stroke requires urgent medical attention to stop the bleeding, reduce pressure on the brain, and minimize damage. Treatments for hemorrhagic stroke include:

• Emergency Medication: Medications may be used to control blood pressure, prevent seizures, or reverse the effects of blood thinners if the patient is on anticoagulants. Drugs that reduce brain swelling or pressure may also be administered.


• Surgical clipping: This procedure is commonly used to treat aneurysms. A small clip is placed at the base of the aneurysm to prevent it from bleeding further.


• Coiling: In this minimally invasive procedure, a catheter is used to insert coils into the aneurysm to block blood flow and prevent rupture.


• Craniotomy: In severe cases, part of the skull may be temporarily removed to relieve pressure on the brain.


• Rehabilitation: After the initial treatment, patients often require physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy to regain lost functions, depending on the severity of the stroke and the area of the brain affected.