Brain bleeds, also known as hemorrhagic strokes, account for about 15% of all strokes in the U.S. There are several causes of brain bleeds, including hypertension, aneurysms, and tumors. Impact injuries from auto accidents can also cause brain bleeds. Being aware of brain bleed symptoms could help you get life-saving treatment after an accident.
What Is a Brain Bleed?
A brain bleed is a medical emergency. It can happen when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures for any reason. The medical term for this condition is hemorrhagic stroke because “hemorrhage” is the term for any type of bleeding inside the body.
It is possible to survive a brain bleed. Approximately 27% of those who’ve had a hemorrhagic stroke have a 5-year survival rate. Recovery depends on several factors, including the area of the bleed, the amount of swelling accompanying the injury, and access to emergency care.
When an injury causes a vessel to rupture, the normal circulation of oxygen and blood is disrupted. Without nourishment, brain cells begin to die and cause a type of stroke. Damage to the brain can be permanent and even fatal. The sooner a person receives medical care, the better their chances of survival.
In non-impact situations, warning signs that a person is in the early stages of a stroke may include a loss of balance, drooping facial muscles, and slurred speech. However, when the cause is a sudden head injury, none of these warning signs are present.
Head Injuries That Can Cause a Brain Bleed
There are two main classifications of brain injuries: closed head injuries and open head injuries. Closed injuries are those that don’t break the skull, such as hitting your head against the side of the car door during a low-speed accident.
An impact like this can still cause a great deal of pain and damage, including a brain bleed, but if no objects pierce through the skull, it is identified as a closed head injury.
Open head injuries are those that include a foreign object piercing through the skull and into the brain. Most brain injuries are closed-head injuries.
Specific injuries that could cause a brain bleed include:
- Skull fractures
- Scalp cuts
- Concussions
Closed head injuries are not always immediately obvious. Many people who bang their heads in an accident assume they’re okay if they didn’t lose consciousness. Brain bleed symptoms can occur even after low-impact accidents, such as falling on a slippery floor.
Types of Brain Bleeds
A hemorrhagic stroke can happen in two ways. Bleeding inside the brain (known as intracerebral hemorrhage) may occur when a damaged blood vessel in the brain ruptures. Rupturing puts pressure on the brain from the inside and can cause swelling and other complications.
The second type of brain bleed is known as a subarachnoid hemorrhage. The brain is surrounded by a thin membrane called the arachnoid membrane. If a blood vessel that passes through the arachnoid membrane breaks, the bleeding can fill up the space between your brain and its protective membrane.
Brain bleed symptoms are similar for both intracerebral and subarachnoid hemorrhages.
Common Brain Bleed Symptoms
If you are injured in a car or motorcycle accident or a fall, or if you receive a sports-related injury, always follow up with medical care. Many types of injuries, including brain injuries, can remain hidden until symptoms become severe. In the case of a brain bleed, delaying medical care could be fatal.
Some of the most common symptoms to watch for after any type of head injury include:
- Sudden, severe headache
- Nausea, vomiting
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Sleepiness, lack of energy
- Loss of consciousness after an impact
- Slurred speech, difficulty speaking
- Seizure
- Numbness or weakness in the limbs
- Vision loss
- Sensitivity to light
- Loss of balance
- Abnormal heart rate
- Trouble breathing
Most brain bleed survivors report that the first symptom they experienced was a sudden and severely painful headache. If you or someone you know displays any of these symptoms after a head injury, call 911 and stay with them until help arrives.
FAQ
How Are Brain Bleeds Treated?
The exact course of treatment depends on the type and location of the bleed. Surgery is often needed to repair the bleeding vessel. Intravenous steroids and other methods may be used to reduce swelling.
Should I Call a Personal Injury Lawyer if I Incur a Head Injury in an Auto Accident?
Consulting with a personal injury attorney after being injured in any type of accident is recommended. An attorney can help establish liability for the injury and will fight for your right to fair financial compensation.
Who Pays for Ongoing Therapies After a Brain Bleed?
Recovering from a brain bleed often requires ongoing medical care, including treatment from a physical therapist, speech therapist, and others. If someone else is responsible for your injury, they may be held legally responsible for your medical bills. Consulting with a personal injury lawyer will help clarify the legal process of filing a lawsuit.
Have You Suffered a Brain Injury Because of Someone Else’s Negligence?
Brain injuries, including brain bleeds, are serious medical emergencies that can be fatal. The medical bills, loss of wages, and long rehabilitation process related to a hemorrhagic stroke can be financially catastrophic. Ramsey Law Group is here to help. Call us if you or someone you love has suffered a brain bleed in an auto accident or other impact accident.