High Risk of brain haemorrhage
VIJAYAWADA: Not many are aware that sudden pain in the head and seizure of hands and legs are symptoms of brain haemorrhage. Sadly, even fewer know how to perform first aid in the event of such an emergency.
Brain haemorrhage or bleeding in or around the brain is caused by high blood pressure, abnormally weak blood vessels that leak, drug abuse and trauma. Many who experience the condition have symptoms similar to heart attacks and can develop weakness on one side of their body, difficulty in speaking or numbness.
“Stroke risks are higher in people who have high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and high cholesterol. Other risks include heavy alcohol consumption, smoking, illicit drug use, and genetic or congenital conditions. Some risk factors apply only to women. Primary among these are pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause,” said Dr K Satyanarayana Raju, a neurologist.
“A majority of the people ignore early signs of brain stroke and seek professional help only after a paralytic attack. Those with a family history of hypertension, diabetes and heart attack need to be closely monitored,” he said.
The most common symptoms are difficulty in speaking, inability to move hands or legs or difficulty in swallowing. Sometimes, patients also feel a numbness in their hands and legs, confusion, double or diminished vision, unsteady gait, sudden severe headache or even seizures, Raju said.
What is brain haemorrhage?
It is bleeding in or around the brain caused by high blood pressure, abnormally weak blood vessels that leak, drug abuse, and trauma
Causes
The most common cause of brain haemorrhage is elevated blood pressure. Over time, elevated blood pressure can weaken arterial walls and lead to ruptures. When this occurs, blood collects in brain leading to symptoms of a stroke
Symptoms
Sudden severe headache
Seizures with no previous history of seizures
Weakness in an arm or leg
Nausea or vomiting
Decreased alertness; lethargy
Changes in vision
Tingling or numbness
Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
Difficulty swallowing
Loss of fine motor skills
An abnormal sense of taste
Treatment
Patients with bleeding inside of the brain must be monitored very closely. Early treatment includes stabilizing blood pressure and breathing.
Diagnosis
Doctors may recommend patients to undergo a variety of tests to identify and know the seriousness of the health condition that include Computed tomography (CT) scan or Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and A neurological exam or eye exam, which can show swelling of the optic nerve, may also be performed.
Prevention
Eat a healthy diet low in saturated fat and rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
Don’t overeat, and keep your weight under control
Get regular exercise (30 minutes a day, most days of the week, or more)
Find ways to manage stress in your life.
Stop smoking