A headache or momentary dizziness is not the only effect you could face following a blow to the head. Whether you fall off a ladder, hit your head in a car accident, or are struck by a falling object, it’s important to be alert for signs of brain bleed. Brain bleed — also known as an intracranial hemorrhage — can turn a minor bump to the head into a life-threatening emergency.
Intracranial Hemorrhages Explained
An intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is a pool of blood that collects between the brain and the skull and is classified as a type of stroke. These injuries are emergencies that require immediate medical attention.
Some estimates place the one-year survival rate for brain bleeds of all types at only about 35%. Those who do survive can face severe limitations on their ability to live independently.
Brain bleeds caused by a traumatic head injury can develop quickly or over several days or weeks after the injury. As a result, you should always remain vigilant for signs of a brain bleed, even if you initially feel okay following an accident. It’s a good idea to have a medical professional evaluate you anytime you suffer a brain injury.
Effects of a Brain Bleed
There are two key dangers to consider when you develop a brain bleed. First, blood is the only way your brain receives oxygen. Trauma that ruptures the blood vessels in the brain decreases the amount of oxygen-rich blood that reaches the brain. This means that a brain bleed of sufficient severity and duration can starve the brain of the oxygen it needs to survive.
Secondly, the skull is a closed space. When blood collects within the skull, there is no place for it to go. Instead, the blood continues to pool and, in the process, puts increasing pressure on the brain. This pressure also reduces the ability of other undamaged vessels to deliver blood to the brain.
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What Are the Symptoms of a Brain Bleed After a Head Injury?
It’s not always easy to detect the signs of a brain bleed, as some symptoms can also be indicative of other conditions. That is why it is crucial to seek medical attention after suffering a blow to the head.
In general, symptoms that can indicate ICH after a head injury include:
- A sudden and severe headache that gets worse or does not respond to medication
- A tingling sensation or weakness, especially on one side of the body
- Changes in your vision or the loss of vision in one eye
- Trouble balancing or using fine motor skills
- Inability to express yourself verbally or understand others
Additionally, if you lose consciousness or suffer a seizure following a head injury, you may be dealing with an ICH.
Treatment and Prognosis For Brain Bleeds
Your ability to survive and recover from a brain bleed depends on how severe the brain bleed is and how quickly you get medical attention. Once a brain bleed is confirmed, doctors may perform one or more procedures designed to relieve pressure on the brain and correct the underlying source of the bleeding.
Because brain cells can die in a matter of minutes without sufficient oxygen, permanent brain damage is not uncommon among those who survive a brain bleed. The sooner the cause of the ICH is identified and treated, the fewer complications you can expect to have.
The Importance of Medical and Legal Help After a Head Injury
There is no way to know whether a head injury will result in a brain bleed. As a result, following any type of blow to the head, it’s best to seek medical attention.
If your head injury is the result of an accident caused by another’s negligent actions in Houston, you may be able to pursue compensation to cover the costs related to your injury under Texas law. A personal injury lawyer can evaluate the details of your case and recommend any appropriate legal actions.
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Contact a Houston Personal Injury Lawyer to Help You With Your Claim
For more information, contact the Houston personal injury law firm of Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers at (713) 500-5000.
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About the Author Brian White
Brian White earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston and is licensed to practice in Texas. He is a Board-Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer.
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