Brain haemorrhage

Headway groups and branches can usually support people who have had a brain haemorrhage, as well as their family members and carers. There is also a lot of information about the effects of brain injury on this website.

A brain haemorrhage is bleeding in or around the brain, which may be caused by a traumatic brain injury (TBI). It may also happen spontaneously as a result of a ruptured aneurysm, which is a form of stroke, also known as a haemorrhagic stroke.

There are four types of haemorrhage, named according to where the bleeding occurs. These are: subdural haemorrhage, extradural haemorrhage, subarachnoid haemorrhage and intracerebral haemorrhage. Subdural and extradural haemorrhages are the most common type after TBI, and they are a cause of further brain damage that can lead to more long-term effects.

Subarachnoid and intracerebral haemorrhages are more likely to happen spontaneously. Small blood vessels rupture, often causing loss of consciousness.

Sometimes a brain haemorrhage can occur after a seemingly minor head injury. Symptoms can develop rapidly or can take a number of weeks to develop, and urgent investigation and treatment is required.

The long-term effects of a brain haemorrhage depend on the type and location, but as with all brain injuries, every person's recovery is individual. You can read more about the long-term effects of a brain haemorrhage on the 'Effects of brain injury' page. Click the link on the right to go there now.

Most Headway groups and branches can offer support to people who have had a brain haemorrhage, their family and carers.

Click the 'How can we help?' link on the right to see what we can do to support you.