Cerebral Hemorrhage
From Holoprosencephaly
Cerebral Hemorrhage
A cerebral hemorrhage is a bleed into the substance of the brain. Cerebral hemorrhages can lead to hemorrhagic strokes and are medical emergencies. Subarachnoid hemorrhages are the most serious type. This occurs when a blood vessel bursts and enters the subarachnoid space where cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) bathes the brain, contaminating it. Since the brain is quite sensitive to changes in pH, extensive damage can result when the chemical balance of the CSF is disturbed by the blood.
Pathophysiology
Blood carries plasma proteins, white blood cells and other molecules which damage brain cells when they flood the area.
Symptoms Headache Nausea and vomiting Poor feeding or refusal to eat Alertness changes Deficiencies in verbal skills, balance, swallowing, coordination Seizures Difficulty focusing the eyes Pupil reaction may be sluggish, unreactive or unequal
Treatment
Due to their life-threatening nature, cerebral hemorrhages require immediate neurosurgical evaluation and intervention. Neurosurgeons use specialized examinations for cerebral hemorrhage patients, such as the Hunt and Hess scale, that can help determine the appropriate treatment.
Strategies to protect the brain during this type of stroke include blood sugar and blood pressure control, adequate oxygen and intravenous fluids, detection and treatment of the cause of bleeding, and constant monitoring (usually with the Glasgow Coma Scale) and immediate treatment for complications from bleeding into or around the brain.
Prognosis
This is dependent on the underlying cause and extent of injury.
If you have any concerns, please don't hesitate to discuss your concerns with your child's doctor(s).
For information about dealing with other potential health problems, treatments and medications, please visit our Miscellaneous Health Information category.
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