A bleeding brain is a dangerous situation. In most cases, it occurs if an aneurysm ruptures. Since the brain cells are deprived of blood, they start to die.
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The brain tissue starts to swell as a response to the bleeding which kills the cells. Remember that the brain could not regenerate cells once they are destroyed, thus the brain functions might be lost due to the bleeding. Fortunately, there are available treatment options for a bleeding brain. If the individual was given prompt medical care, the doctor can lessen the damage and fix the ruptured vessel.
Regulation of the blood pressure
With a bleeding brain, the doctor will promptly intervene to lower the blood pressure to slow down the bleeding.
Take note that high blood pressure is a vital controllable risk factor for a bleeding brain. The individual is given IV drugs to lower the blood pressure and slow the bleeding. If conscious, the individual might be sedated to prevent him/her from exerting.
Surgery
The surgeon might fix the ruptured vessel in the brain. This is done by attaching a small-sized clip onto the neck of the aneurysm which cuts off the blood flow to the site of the rupture. On the other hand, surgery is not an option in all cases.
The surgeon must determine whether to attempt a repair based on the site and size of the ruptured vessel as well as the overall health and age of the individual.
Blood clot removal
The buildup of blood in the brain due to the bleeding might form a large-sized clot that places pressure on the brain tissues.
The doctor might decide to operate to get rid of the hematoma to limit any damage. The size and site of the hematoma has an essential role whether to undergo surgery. If the hematoma is near the brain stem, it is not removed due to the risk for damage to the delicate structures of the brain stem.
Drainage
Cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) circulates in a healthy brain and spinal cord to provide nutrients and removes wastes from the cells.
Oftentimes, the swelling due to a bleeding brain can block the normal flow of CSF, resulting to the accumulation of pressure in the brain. Remember that this is a dangerous condition called hydrocephalus. The condition is treated with drainage of the fluid using an extra-ventricular drain.
Disclaimer / More Information
The information posted on this page on a bleeding brain is for learning and educational purposes only. To learn how the injury is managed, register for first aid training at one of our training centers located throughout Canada. The training centers are in Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver, Kelowna, Saskatoon, Victoria, Surrey, Mississauga, Winnipeg, Red Deer, Toronto, Ottawa and Halifax.