Let’s Talk About Hemorrhagic Stroke
About 13 percent of strokes happen when a blood vessel ruptures in or near the brain. This is called a hemorrhagic stroke.
When a hemorrhagic stroke happens, blood collects in the brain tissue. This is toxic for the brain tissue, causing the cells in that area to weaken and die.
A type of hemorrhagic stroke, known as a subarachnoid hemorrhage, can occur when an aneurysm (a blood-filled pouch that balloons out from an artery) on or near the surface of the brain ruptures, flooding the space between the skull and the brain with blood.
Are all hemorrhagic strokes the same?
There are two kinds of hemorrhagic stroke. In both, a blood vessel ruptures, disrupting blood flow to part of the brain.
Intracerebral hemorrhages (most common type of hemorrhagic stroke):
- Occur when a blood vessel bleeds or ruptures into the tissue deep within the brain.
- Are most often caused by chronically high blood pressure or aging blood vessels.
- Are sometimes caused by an arteriovenous malformation (AVM). An AVM is a cluster of abnormally formed blood vessels. Any one of these vessels can rupture, also causing bleeding into the brain.
Subarachnoid hemorrhages:
- Occur when an aneurysm (a blood-filled pouch that balloons out from an artery) on or near the surface of the brain ruptures and bleeds into the space between the brain and the skull.
In addition to high blood pressure, factors that increase the risk of hemorrhagic strokes include:
- Cigarette smoking
- Excessive alcohol intake
- Use of illegal drugs
How are hemorrhagic strokes diagnosed?
When someone has shown symptoms of a stroke or a TIA (transient ischemic attack), a doctor will gather information and make a diagnosis. They will review the events that have occurred and will:
- Get a medical history.
- Do a physical and neurological examination.
- Have certain laboratory (blood) tests done.
- Get a CT or MRI scan of the brain.
- Study the results of other diagnostic tests that might be needed.
Diagnostic tests examine how the brain looks, works and gets its blood supply. They can outline the injured brain area.
Diagnostic tests fall into two main categories.
- Imaging tests give a picture of the brain similar to X-rays.
- Blood flow tests show any problem that may cause changes in blood flow to the brain.
How are hemorrhagic strokes treated?
Because hemorrhages may be life-threatening, hospital care is required. Medication is used to control high blood pressure. Other medications may be given to reduce the brain swelling that follows a stroke. Surgery may be needed depending on the cause and type of the hemorrhage.
Surgery is often recommended to either place a metal clip at the base of an aneurysm or to remove the abnormal vessels that make up an AVM.
Some procedures are less invasive and use a catheter that goes in through a major artery in the leg or arm. The catheter is guided to the aneurysm or AVM, where it places a device, such as a coil, to prevent rupture.
Caregivers play a vital role in stroke survivor’s recovery. Emotional and practical support and training for the caregiver can be helpful to improve the patients’ balance and activity level.
Rehabilitation and recovery are important determinants of post-stroke outcomes and quality of life.
F - Face drooping
A - Arm weakness
S - Speech difficulty
T - Time to call 911
Dizziness, loss of balance, a sudden, severe headache or difficulty swallowing are some other common warning signs of a stroke.
How can I learn more?
- Call 1-888-4-STROKE (1-888-478-7653) or visit stroke.org to learn more about stroke or find local support groups.
- Sign up for our monthly Stroke Connection e-news for stroke survivors and caregivers at StrokeConnection.org.
- Connect with others who have also had an experience with stroke by joining our Support Network at stroke.org/SupportNetwork.
Do you have questions for your doctor or nurse?
Take a few minutes to write down your questions for the next time you see your health care professional. For example:
What can I do to help prevent another stroke?
How can I control high blood pressure?
We have many other fact sheets to help you make healthier choices, manage your condition or care for a loved one.
Visit stroke.org/LetsTalkAboutStroke to learn more
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