Hemorrhagic Stroke

Hemorrhagic stroke causes blood to spill out of a blood vessel, into the brain or within the skull. This medical emergency requires immediate care from an experienced stroke team, such as the one at Henry Ford Health. We offer the highest level of care, including minimally invasive procedures from leading stroke experts. Our ability to quickly deliver services gives you the best chance of recovery.

What Is a Hemorrhagic Stroke?

Hemorrhagic stroke happens when a tear in an artery or vein allows blood to build up inside the brain or within the skull. The danger of hemorrhagic stroke comes from the pressure it puts on the brain. Irreversible damage may occur within minutes, leading to problems such as paralysis or difficulty communicating and even death.

Hemorrhagic stroke is more deadly than other types of stroke. Getting to an emergency room, including the ones at Henry Ford, within one hour of symptoms lowers your complication risk.

Signs of Hemorrhagic Stroke

Symptoms of hemorrhagic stroke include:

• Confusion or sudden, severe drowsiness
• Difficulty speaking or understanding others
• Dizziness, nausea and vomiting
• Numbness, weakness or paralysis in an arm or leg
• Seizures
• Sudden, severe headache

If you suspect someone is having a stroke, follow the National Stroke Association’s recommendations and think F.A.S.T.:

• F = Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of their face droop?
• A = Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
• S = Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or does it sound strange?
• T = Time: If you observe any of these signs, it’s time to dial 911.

Studies show stroke patients who arrive at the hospital by ambulance receive faster treatment than those arriving on their own.

Causes of Hemorrhagic Stroke

Hemorrhagic stroke is typically due to uncontrolled high blood pressure or an aneurysm, which occurs when high blood pressure causes a weak spot in a blood vessel. This spot thins out over time and can eventually burst. The less common cause is an abnormal tangle of arteries called arteriovenous malformation. Read more about neurovascular diseases that cause a stroke.

Emergency Hemorrhagic Stroke Evaluation

Henry Ford emergency rooms are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our stroke specialists stand ready to start assessing your symptoms within minutes of your arrival. We perform a comprehensive evaluation to pinpoint the precise location and severity of the artery tear. Find out more about acute stroke services.

We diagnose stroke and plan treatments using the most advanced diagnostic technology. Our offerings include a 64-slice computed tomography (CT) scan. This imaging technology provides faster, higher resolution images than traditional CT imaging scanners.

Hemorrhagic Stroke Treatment at Henry Ford: Why Choose Us?

Henry Ford Hospital is among the few certified Comprehensive Stroke Centers in Wayne County and one of only 13 in Michigan. We have the expertise and resources necessary to treat complex problems like hemorrhagic stroke. We offer sophisticated treatments, including neurosurgery and minimally invasive procedures to repair blood vessels through a tiny incision in your groin.

Our team approach means your care reflects the recommendations of experienced stroke experts, including neurosurgeons, neuroradiologists and vascular neurologists. We use secure technologies to electronically view brain studies in real time, making it easier for specialists at multiple Henry Ford locations to collaborate. Doing so helps us quickly plan and deliver hemorrhagic stroke treatments that are right for you.

We offer the full range of hemorrhagic stroke treatments, including:

Emergency Treatment

Procedures that stop the bleeding include:

• Clipping: For some tears, we use a surgical clip to stop blood flow. Clips are made of strong metal and permanently seal the artery.
• Coiling: For other tears, a coil may help. This tiny device plugs the tear in the blood vessel. A clot forms to prevent blood from flowing through the weakened artery.
• Blood vessel repair: If there’s an abnormal blood vessel, we either apply a special glue to seal it or remove it. We then reroute the flow of blood to healthy arteries.

Around-the-clock care

In the days following a hemorrhagic stroke, you face the highest risk of additional bleeding episodes and brain swelling. Our close attention to your needs keeps your recovery moving forward.

As you start feeling better, we help you regain skills lost to the effects of stroke. Your care may include physical therapy to improve balance and coordination. Find out more about stroke recovery and stroke rehabilitation.

Stroke Prevention Services

Stroke survivors face a higher risk of a second stroke. Our team continues caring for you after you leave the hospital through our Stroke Clinic. You receive regular monitoring and treatments, if necessary, to help you avoid a future stroke. Read more about stroke prevention.