As the seasons change, a specific disease requires extra vigilance. It’s a hemorrhage in the brain.
Recently, the number of hypertension patients has increased due to weather fluctuations and increased stress levels, consequently elevating the risk of cerebral hemorrhages. A cerebral hemorrhage occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, causing internal bleeding. The severe brain condition can escalate within minutes and is considered one of the most severe brain disorders.
Cerebral hemorrhages are broadly classified into two categories: traumatic and spontaneous. Traumatic hemorrhages result from external impacts such as car accidents or falls, while spontaneous hemorrhages can occur unexpectedly due to factors like hypertension, cerebrovascular malformations, aneurysm ruptures, or anticoagulant use. Although cerebral hemorrhages account for only 10-15% of all strokes, they have a higher mortality rate and can lead to more severe long-term complications, underscoring the need for heightened awareness.
Key symptoms include sudden, excruciating headaches, vomiting, hemiplegia, speech impairment, and decreased consciousness. A typical early sign is an acute headache often described as feeling “like being struck on the head with a hammer.” If these symptoms are accompanied by blurred vision, gait abnormalities, or weakness in the arms and legs, immediate medical attention is crucial. Time is of the essence, as delays can exacerbate brain cell damage and significantly reduce survival rates.
Medical experts emphasize the critical importance of early diagnosis and swift treatment. Brain imaging tests such as CT or MRI scans pinpoint the location and extent of bleeding. Depending on the situation, surgical intervention may be necessary. In cases where bleeding occurs deep within the brain, endoscopic or microsurgical techniques are employed to remove blood clots and alleviate intracranial pressure.
Hypertension is the primary risk factor for cerebral hemorrhages. When high blood pressure weakens cerebral blood vessel walls, even a slight increase in pressure can trigger a rupture. Other contributing factors include smoking, alcohol consumption, stress, obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol. People in their 50s or older should maintain regular blood pressure checks and undergo comprehensive health screenings.
Lifestyle modifications play a crucial role in prevention. Reducing sodium intake and regular aerobic exercise are fundamental to maintaining stable blood pressure. Research suggests that daily 30-minute walks, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, adequate sleep, and abstaining from smoking and excessive drinking can significantly lower the risk of cerebral hemorrhages.
Recent reports of cerebral hemorrhages in otherwise healthy young individuals have raised concerns that even those without apparent risk factors should remain vigilant. This is particularly true for individuals with genetic predispositions to aneurysms or vascular malformations, as these conditions can progress silently before suddenly resulting in a hemorrhage. In such cases, comprehensive medical examinations are strongly recommended.
Experts emphasize that “cerebral hemorrhage is not a simple rupture of a blood vessel, but a disease that can fundamentally change the quality of life,” and “since the initial response can determine life or death, if you feel any abnormal signs, you should immediately go to the emergency care.”
