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, tumors, and unmanaged high blood pressure. A burst blood vessel can result in different types of brain hemorrhages, which is a general term for bleeding in or around the brain, depending on where the bleeding occurs. Impact injuries from auto accidents, car accidents, or a car crash 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. When bleeding occurs, it may be within the brain tissue or in the spaces around the brain. 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. A cerebral hemorrhage is a specific type of brain bleed that occurs within the brain tissue.
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. Bleeding can also occur near the skull bone, increasing pressure on the brain. 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. Mild head injuries can sometimes present with subtle symptoms, such as concussion symptoms, which should not be ignored.
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. Diffuse axonal injury is a type of brain injury often caused by rapid acceleration or deceleration, such as in car accidents or sports injuries.
An impact like this can still cause a great deal of pain and damage, including a brain bleed, and neck pain that may indicate a traumatic brain injury, 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
- Subdural hematoma
Sports injuries and shaken baby syndrome are also common causes of traumatic brain injury and brain bleeds, similar to common internal injuries after a motorcycle accident.
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. Bleeding can occur around the brain, particularly in the spaces between the three membrane layers that protect the brain, such as the dura mater.
Types of Intracranial Hemorrhage
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. This type of bleeding occurs within the brain tissue, which can damage surrounding brain tissue and lead to neurological deficits. 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.
Other types of brain bleeds include epidural hematoma, epidural hemorrhage, and subdural hemorrhage, each named for the location where blood collects around or within the brain. An intracranial hematoma refers to any collection of blood inside the skull, and blood collects in different spaces depending on the type of injury and trauma involved.
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 and be aware of brain bleed symptoms that often follow a motorcycle accident. 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. Mild TBI (mild traumatic brain injury) can occur even after seemingly minor incidents and should be monitored closely.
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
- Memory problems
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.
These symptoms may indicate underlying neurological disorders, and a thorough medical evaluation—including a neurological exam and physical examination—is essential for accurate diagnosis. Imaging tests and blood tests are often used to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of injury. Medical treatment and, in severe cases, emergency treatment may be required to prevent further damage, especially when patients face long-term brain bleed effects after motorcycle accidents. Internal bleeding in the brain can be life-threatening and may require urgent intervention. People taking blood thinners or those with high blood pressure are at increased risk for brain bleeds and should seek prompt care. Blood clots can also be a complication during recovery from severe brain injury. Damage to nerve cells in the brain can result in long-term neurological deficits.
Diagnosing a Brain Injury
Diagnosing a brain injury after a head injury is a critical step in ensuring the right treatment and preventing further complications, particularly given the high rates of harm shown in motorcycle crash statistics in the U.S. and Texas. When you arrive at a medical facility following head trauma, your healthcare provider will begin by gathering a complete medical history. This includes asking about the circumstances of the injury, any symptoms you are experiencing, and whether you have risk factors such as high blood pressure, a history of previous head injuries, or if you are taking blood thinners. These details help the medical team assess the likelihood of a brain bleed or other traumatic brain injury.
A thorough medical evaluation will follow, which may include checking your blood pressure and performing a series of physical and neurological exams to evaluate your reflexes, coordination, and cognitive function. The healthcare provider will use this information to determine the severity of the brain injury and decide if further testing, such as imaging scans, is needed. Early and accurate diagnosis is essential for guiding treatment and improving outcomes after a brain injury.
Importance of Immediate Medical Attention
When a brain bleed occurs after a head injury, every second counts, and this is especially true after serious side-impact collisions such as T-bone accidents and other intersection crashes. An intracranial hemorrhage can quickly escalate from a manageable condition to a severe head injury with life-threatening complications. Immediate medical attention is critical because a brain bleed can cause permanent brain damage or even be fatal if not treated right away. If you or someone you know experiences symptoms such as a worsening headache, confusion, numbness or weakness on one side of the body, or slurred speech after a blow to the head, treat it as a medical emergency. Prompt medical care can make the difference between a full recovery and lasting brain damage. Never ignore these warning signs—seeking immediate medical attention could save a life and prevent further complications.
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.
Long-Term Effects and Rehabilitation
The aftermath of a brain bleed can bring lasting changes, but with the right support and medical care, many patients can regain independence and quality of life. Depending on the severity of the traumatic brain injury, individuals may experience anything from mild symptoms to significant brain damage. Rehabilitation is often a key part of recovery, involving physical therapy to restore movement, occupational therapy to relearn daily skills, and speech therapy to address communication challenges, and many accident survivors must also cope with post-traumatic stress after a motorcycle accident. In some cases, surgery may be needed to repair damaged blood vessels or relieve pressure inside the brain. Working closely with a healthcare provider ensures that treatment is tailored to each patient’s needs. Managing risk factors, such as keeping blood pressure under control, is also essential to prevent further complications. With a proactive approach to rehabilitation and ongoing medical care, patients can minimize the long-term effects of a brain bleed and work toward the best possible outcome.
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, especially if it occurred in one of the Houston areas where car accidents are most common.
