What happens during a haemorrhagic stroke?

During a haemorrhagic stroke, the critical event is the bleeding that occurs due to the rupture of blood vessels within the brain. This rupture leads to blood leaking into either the surrounding brain tissue or the spaces surrounding the brain. The resultant accumulation of blood can create pressure on brain structures, disrupt normal blood flow, and lead to cellular damage or death.

This type of stroke differs from an ischaemic stroke, where the primary issue is a blockage in a blood vessel that prevents blood flow to a part of the brain. In haemorrhagic strokes, the complications are closely linked to the immediate effects of the blood disrupting normal brain function. The impact can include symptoms like severe headache, sudden onset of neurological deficits, and loss of consciousness, making rapid medical intervention essential. Understanding this process highlights the importance of addressing risk factors such as hypertension, which can contribute to the likelihood of blood vessel rupture.