After sustaining a head injury, it’s important to see a doctor to rule out the potential for more serious damage to the brain or skull. Brain injuries, especially when left untreated, can result in further damage to the body, and in some cases, they may be fatal.
If you have been in an accident, sustained a fall, or had any sort of heavy impact on your head, pay attention to your symptoms afterward. Over 2 million people across the U.S. suffer a traumatic brain injury each year. If you can’t return to normal activities immediately, it's worth seeking medical attention.
What Is a Brain Bleed?
A brain bleed, or brain aneurysm, may occur inside the skull but outside of the brain tissue or entirely within the brain tissue. A brain bleed that occurs outside the brain tissue may be referred to as an epidural bleed, subdural bleed, or subarachnoid bleed. The terminology varies depending on the location of the bleed.
If a brain bleed occurs within the brain tissue, it is called an intracerebral hemorrhage or an intraventricular hemorrhage. An intracerebral hemorrhage is located within the cerebellum of the brain, while an intraventricular hemorrhage occurs inside the brain’s ventricles.
Regardless of the location of the brain bleed or its classification, realize that all brain bleeds are serious and should be treated as soon as possible.
What Happens to the Brain When It Bleeds?
If a brain bleed occurs, it blocks oxygen from reaching parts of the brain. This causes brain cells to die in as little as three or four minutes. Once a brain cell has died, it can’t be replaced.
The lack of oxygen may also cause permanent damage to the surrounding nerve cells and the functions they control. This damage can result in physical and mental disabilities that can’t be fixed.
What Are the Symptoms of a Brain Bleed?
There are numerous symptoms of a brain bleed.
If someone has sustained a head injury and exhibits any of the below symptoms, it's best to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
- Weakness or paralysis of the face, arm, or leg
- Headache
- Confusion
- Nausea or vomiting
- Difficulty swallowing
- Dizziness
- Seizures
- Loss of vision
- Problems with balance or coordination
- Stiff neck
- Sensitivity to light
- Abnormal speech
- Lack of energy or problems with consciousness
- Difficulty breathing
- Changes in cognition
- Mood swings
Depending on the severity of the trauma sustained to the head, some symptoms may be more apparent than others.
How Does a Doctor Diagnose a Brain Bleed?
Once the patient has arrived at the hospital or urgent care facility, a physician can use specific tools to diagnose a brain bleed. They’ll likely start by asking questions concerning the accident and evaluate any visible symptoms. Next, they will use a CT scan, MRI, or MRA to determine the location and extent of a brain bleed.
In some cases, tests such as an electroencephalogram, X-ray, CBC count, spinal tap, or angiography may be used to further diagnose a brain bleed. Each of these tests helps physicians learn more about the brain bleed and make decisions on how to treat it.
How Is a Brain Bleed Treated?
The treatment for a brain bleed will depend on its severity. Severe brain bleeds may require surgery to remove pressure from excess blood on the brain. For less serious brain bleeds, anti-anxiety or anti-epileptic drugs may be required to control blood pressure and reduce the likelihood of seizures.
Individuals who require surgery to treat a brain bleed must often undergo rehabilitation treatment. This can include physical therapy, speech and occupational therapy, and changes to lifestyle habits to reduce the potential for future brain bleeds.
Contact the Clearwater Brain Injury Law Firm of Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact the legal team of Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for a free initial consultation with a brain injury lawyer in Clearwater. We have convenient locations in Florida: St. Petersburg, Safety Harbor, Clearwater, New Port Richey, and Tampa.
We serve throughout Pinellas County, Hillsborough County, Pasco County, and its surrounding areas:
Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - Clearwater Office
1811 N. Belcher Road, Suite I-1
Clearwater, FL 33765
(727) 787-2500
Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - Congress Ave Office
2360 Congress Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33763
(727) 591-5610
Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - Tampa Office
6601 Memorial Hwy Suite 202
Tampa, FL 33615
(813) 686-7588
Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - New Port Richey Office
2515 Seven Springs Blvd.
New Port Richey, FL, 34655
(727) 815-8442
Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - St. Petersburg Law Office
840 Beach Dr NE Suite 202
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 787-2500
Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - Safety Harbor Law Office
202 9th Ave S Suite A-2
Safety Harbor, FL 34695
(727) 787-2500
