A ruptured blood vessel in the brain is a condition that can be fatal. Not only damage the brain, this condition can also be life threatening. Therefore, know what are the causes of rupture of cerebral blood vessels so that they can be watched out for and avoided.
Blood vessels function to ensure the intake of oxygen and nutrients to all organs and tissues of the body has been met. Because of its important role, it is very dangerous if the blood vessels don't work or even burst.
Rupture of blood vessels can occur in various parts of the body and one of them is the brain. If a blood vessel rupture occurs in the brain, this condition can trigger a brain hemorrhage (brain hemorrhage). This bleeding can be fatal because it causes swelling of the brain and death of brain cells
Risk Factors and Causes of Ruptured Blood Vessels in the Brain
There are several conditions that can trigger the rupture of blood vessels in the brain, namely:
1. High blood pressure
High blood pressure or hypertension experienced for years can cause the walls of blood vessels in the brain to become brittle. If not treated immediately, hypertension can be the main cause of brain bleeding.
2. Unhealthy lifestyle
Smoking habits, excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages, and the use of illegal drugs, such as heroin and cocaine, can lead to impaired brain function.
In fact, harmful compounds contained in cigarettes, alcoholic beverages, and drugs can also trigger the rupture of blood vessels in the brain.
3. Head injury
Head injury is one of the most common causes of cerebral hemorrhage in people under 50 years of age. Injuries to the head can result from a fall or traffic accident.
4. Aneurysm
An aneurysm is a condition when a blood vessel enlarges due to weakening of the vessel wall. If it is severe, blood vessels can burst and cause a lot of blood to enter the brain, causing a stroke.
The exact cause of aneurysms is not known. However, this condition is thought to be related to genetic factors and abnormalities in the formation of blood vessels in the brain.
5. Amyloid angiopathy
This condition is caused by abnormalities in the walls of blood vessels due to the buildup of beta amyloid protein. Amyloid angiopathy is often experienced by the elderly and people with dementia or Alzheimer's disease.
6. Abnormalities of blood vessels
Blood vessel abnormalities can be in the form of weak blood vessels around the brain or blood vessels that are too large. This disorder can be suffered from birth although it is rare.
7. Liver disorders
In severe liver disease, interference with the production of blood clotting factors may occur. This can increase the risk of internal bleeding in various parts of the body, including the brain.
8. Blood disorders
Blood disorders or blood clotting disorders, such as hemophilia and sickle cell anemia, can cause a decrease in blood platelet levels.
In addition to some of the causes above, there are also other risk factors that can increase the chance of blood vessels bursting in the brain, namely the presence of brain tumors and side effects of blood-thinning drugs.
Symptoms of a Ruptured Blood Vessel
If a person experiences a burst blood vessel in the brain, there are several symptoms that can appear, including:
- Severe headache that comes on suddenly
- Sudden tingling or paralysis of the face, arms, or legs
- Impaired vision, either in one eye or both
- Difficult to swallow
- Difficulty controlling body coordination and loss of balance
- Throws up
- Loss of consciousness, lethargy, drowsiness, and not aware of the surrounding situation
- Difficulty writing, speaking, reading, or understanding things
- Often confused or delirious
Medical Treatment for Stroke Patients Due to Broken Blood Vessels
If a stroke occurs due to rupture of a blood vessel in the brain, the patient must be taken to the hospital's emergency department for adequate medical treatment.
Patients with ruptured blood vessels need immediate treatment in the form of drugs to stabilize blood pressure and respiratory support if oxygen levels in the blood are reduced or the patient is in a coma.
If needed, the patient can be given artificial respiration with a ventilator to ensure the brain and organs are getting enough oxygen. Giving fluids and drugs can be given through an IV.
Pain relievers, corticosteroids, anticonvulsants, and drugs to reduce brain swelling may also be given according to the severity of the condition.
In the hospital, patients need to undergo close observation. Vital signs, such as heart rhythm, blood oxygen levels, blood pressure and respiratory rate, to monitoring head cavity pressure also need to be monitored closely.
After the patient's condition is stable, the next step will be determined to treat the bleeding that occurs, for example whether the patient needs surgery or not.
Many patients survive after experiencing cerebral hemorrhage due to ruptured blood vessels. However, the chance will decrease if the initial bleeding is too severe or does not get medical help right away from the onset of symptoms.
Some patients who survive ruptured blood vessels in the brain may continue to experience sensory problems, seizures, headaches, insomnia, or memory problems. Therefore, for those who survive this condition, they still need other additional therapies, ranging from physiotherapy to talk therapy.
Improve Your Lifestyle Starting Now
A ruptured blood vessel is a generally preventable condition. Preventive measures can be taken by stopping bad habits that can increase the risk of rupture of blood vessels, such as smoking and consuming excessive alcoholic beverages.
In addition, implementing a healthy lifestyle is also important, namely by consuming a balanced nutritious diet and exercising regularly for at least 30 minutes every day.
For those of you who suffer from heart disease or high blood pressure, treating both will reduce the risk of blood vessels bursting in the brain. For people with diabetes, maintaining normal blood sugar levels can also reduce the risk of this condition.
A ruptured blood vessel in the brain is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment in a hospital. The sooner treatment is carried out by a doctor, the higher the chances of recovery. If this condition is treated too late, the risk of fatal complications will be higher.