Haemorrhagic stroke

A haemorrhagic stroke is caused by bleeding in or around the brain, caused by a break in the wall of a blood vessel in the brain. It pushes against other brain structures and might damage it. Weak blood vessel walls can develop when someone has high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis or smoking. This can also lead to an aneurysm. This is a bulge in a blood vessel with a very weak blood vessel wall and is at risk of rupture. More information about aneurysms can be found on the page 'Aneurysm' on this website. You'll find a link at the bottom of this page.

Haemorrhagic strokes are described by their location in the brain. One option is a bleed on the surface of the brain, in the membrane (or meninges) that cover the brain. For example: a subarachnoid haemorrhage is a bleed that happens between the layer closest to the brain and the second layer. The other option occurs when an artery inside the brain burst and bleeds into the brain. 

Symptoms

The most common symptoms during a haemorrhagic stroke may include

  • Sudden headache
  • Loss of consciousness 
  • Nausea and/or vomiting

Treatment

Treatment has to start as soon as possible with observation at the Neurocare or intensive care unit. Sometimes surgery is needed to stop the bleeding and release pressure on the brain.

Within UNCH Haaglanden Medical Center is specialised in treating patients with a haemorrhagic stroke. More information about this condition can be found on the NVvN website

Ons advies