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Treating Hemorrhagic Stroke
Treating Hemorrhagic StrokeA hemorrhagic stroke occurs when there is bleeding in the brain because a weakened blood vessel ruptures.This bleeding disrupts blood flow. Brain cells don’t get the nutrients they need and die, causing a loss of thebodily function those cells support.“Hemorrhagic strokes occur about 15 percent of the time and they often times are the result of ananeurysm or they can be caused by long-term hypertension. It can cause bleeds into the surroundingarea of the small vessels.”If you think you are having a stroke, no matter what type, it’s very important to get help quickly so emergencymedical teams can tell what kind of stroke you’re having and the right type of treatment can begin.Doctors use tests that allows them to see your brain so they know what kind of stroke you had and how to treatit.These tests may be a CT or CAT scan, or an MRI. Both of these specialized brain scans can help doctorsmake the right treatment decision quickly.“The fastest test done for that is a CT scan of the head, which is pretty reliable in differentiating if this isa hemorrhagic stroke or ischemic stroke.”After a hemorrhagic stroke has been diagnosed, doctors will take steps to stop the bleeding. A hemorrhagicstroke may happen within the brain or on the outer surface.Bleeding strokes are usually caused by one of two types of weakened blood vessels: an aneurysm - aweakened blood vessel that “balloons” – or an arteriovenous malformation or AVM, a tangle of malformedblood vessels in the brain.Treatments for ruptured aneurysm vary based on the condition of the patient, where the aneurysm is located inthe brain, how big it is and its shape.One option places a surgical clip at the base of the aneurysm, stopping the bleeding.Another treatment entails directing a catheter through blood vessels until it reaches the aneurysm in the brain.Once it’s in place, the doctor places soft platinum micro-coils into the aneurysm where they form a barrier soblood doesn’t leak from the vessel.Treatment for AVMs depends on the type, location in the brain and symptoms. Options may be medication tomanage the AVM or a procedure, like with aneurysms, to block off the abnormal vessels with glue or coils.Some AVM types and locations will require surgery.A hemorrhagic stroke is a serious medical issue that needs immediate medical attention. It’s important to knowthe symptoms of a stroke so you can get help quickly.Know these common symptoms of stroke and call 911 if you or someone near you is having one or more ofthem:This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.PRG57509A EN TreatingHemorrhagicStroke.pdf© The Wellness NetworkPage 1 of 2Treating Hemorrhagic StrokeSudden numbness or weakness of face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech.Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.Sudden severe headache with no known cause.You can also use the letters in FAST to spot stroke signs:F – Face droopingDoes one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person's smile uneven orlopsided?A Arm weaknessIs one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?S SpeechIs speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simplesentence.T Time to call 911If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 911 and get them to thehospital immediately.Getting medical help right away can help doctors figure out what type of stroke you’re having and may limit theinjury and make recovery is easier.This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.PRG57509A EN TreatingHemorrhagicStroke.pdf© The Wellness NetworkPage 2 of 2
Stroke & Neuroscience Center
Watch this video to learn how to determine if someone is having a stroke.
Learn what a stroke is and the importance of getting help right away.
Learn what ischemic strokes are and how they are treated.
Learn which medications are used to treat stroke and help reduce the risk of a future stroke.
