What is cerebral hemorrhage?
This refers to a cerebrovascular disorder caused by bleeding from a cerebral blood vessel. Most cases (about 75%) are due to hypertension; rarely, blood disorders such as leukemia or aplastic anemia, or tumors, trauma or syphilis, may be the cause.
Causes of cerebral hemorrhage
Many patients with cerebral hemorrhage have hypertension. High blood pressure creates tiny defects in the cerebral vessels so that they can burst with even a small shock, and when atherosclerosis is added, the vessels lose elasticity and rupture easily. Alcohol is a risk factor for cerebral hemorrhage. It has not been clearly proven, but smoking secondarily raises blood pressure and is therefore harmful. The risk of cerebral hemorrhage is high in patients with poor liver function, patients with heart disease, patients who have had a cerebral infarction, and patients with blood disorders or taking anticoagulants. Occasionally there is also a risk of cerebral hemorrhage in high-risk pregnancies and in vasculitis.
Responding to cerebral hemorrhage
When a cerebral hemorrhage occurs, the patient loses consciousness and collapses, and is very likely to vomit. As soon as the patient is found, therefore, remove all foreign material from the mouth and lay the person comfortably on their side. Loosen any tight clothing so that breathing is as easy as possible. Then call 119 or a hospital immediately and have the patient taken to hospital by ambulance. Never give the patient uhwangcheongsimwon or any other medicine, as it may block the airway and make the patient's condition worse.
Cerebral hemorrhage treatment
A patient with an intracerebral hemorrhage must receive treatment, and the need for surgical evacuation of the hematoma must be assessed. Conservative treatment including drug therapy and surgical treatment should be applied according to the patient's condition. Treatment of cerebral hemorrhage differs by the type of bleeding. For a cerebral hemorrhage caused by blood pressure, surgery to remove the hematoma or conservative treatment such as medication is performed. Cerebral hemorrhage may also occur from the rupture of a cerebral aneurysm; in that case endovascular treatment (embolization) or surgery to tie off the vessel (ligation) may be performed.
Preventing cerebral hemorrhage
- Blood pressure check
The most important way to prevent cerebral hemorrhage is to prevent hypertension. Check whether you have hypertension and take appropriate action.
Prevention of the risk factors for cerebral hemorrhage (hypertension, heart disease, smoking and so on) is essential. Particular care is needed for those with a family history.
