Hemorrhagic Strokes and Treatment

A hemorrhagic stroke is caused when a blood vessel bursts and blood spills into the brain.

The spill causes increased pressure and swelling, resulting in damage to the brain.

Quick treatment is essential to saving a person’s life.

Hemorrhagic strokes happen less often than ischemic strokes. 

Diagnosing Hemorrhagic Strokes

Diagnostic tests such as CT and CTA scans can help identify the source of bleeding.

• A CT scan shows the location and size of the blood, as well as any brain swelling.
• CTA scans examine the brain’s blood vessels for a possible malformation.

Treating Hemorrhagic Strokes

Bleeding (hemorrhagic) strokes are treated with medications to control blood pressure and reduce swelling in the brain. Some bleeding strokes may be treated with surgery.

A treatment plan may also include:

• Blood pressure control
• Blood thinner medication
• Lifestyle changes
• Physical rehab
• Smoking cessation
• Speech rehab