How long is the edema period for brainstem hemorrhage?

Written by Tang Ying
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Updated on September 20, 2024
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The edema phase of the brain stem generally lasts for two to three weeks, with the peak of swelling occurring around seven to ten days. For some patients, the swelling completely subsides nearly a month later. Only after the peak of the swelling has passed can patients be out of life-threatening danger. As the swelling gradually subsides, the patient's consciousness, vital signs, limb movements, eating, and other symptoms will also gradually improve. Once patients get through the swelling phase, we can start early bedside rehabilitation as soon as possible. In addition to using some drugs that nourish brain nerves, passive limb movements, proper limb positioning, early exercise, and acupuncture can all be started early to accelerate the patient's early rehabilitation and prevent complications such as muscle atrophy, relaxation, and dependent pneumonia, which can be improved early on.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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How to administer first aid for brainstem hemorrhage

For patients with brainstem hemorrhage, once signs of brainstem hemorrhage are detected, the patient should be sent to the local hospital immediately for an emergency head CT scan to help determine the location and severity of the hemorrhage. Due to its special location, brainstem hemorrhage is often difficult to treat surgically in most cases. Once brainstem hemorrhage occurs, the patient should first be transferred to the intensive care unit for close monitoring of vital signs. At the same time, administer medications to stop bleeding, enhance brain function, nourish nerves, promote dehydration, and reduce intracranial pressure, while carefully observing changes in the patient's condition. During treatment, strictly prevent and treat various comorbidities or complications. (Please use medications under the guidance of a professional physician and do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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What will happen after waking up from a brainstem hemorrhage?

For patients suffering from brainstem hemorrhage, when they are conscious, they often exhibit symptoms of neurological dysfunction. For instance, many patients may experience mild cognitive impairments, such as a decline in memory, as well as a noticeable decrease in learning and calculation abilities. Some patients might lose language functions or display significant aphasia, including anomia, motor aphasia, or mixed aphasia. Additionally, some patients may concurrently suffer from dysphagia, characterized by frequent coughing episodes when drinking fluids. Furthermore, some patients may exhibit specific symptoms or signs of limb motor dysfunction. Such patients typically require ongoing effective treatment.

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Written by Jiang Fang Shuai
Neurosurgery
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Can brainstem hemorrhage be operated on?

The brainstem is the center of human life, controlling vital functions such as breathing, circulation, heart rate, and blood pressure. Once bleeding occurs, patients often experience unstable vital signs, deep coma, and can die from brain function failure within a short period. Previously, it was believed that the brainstem was a no-go zone for surgery, and treatment for brainstem hemorrhage was primarily conservative medical therapy. However, with the continuous improvement of medical technology, neurosurgery departments in many top-tier hospitals have made significant achievements in minimally invasive or open surgeries for brainstem hemorrhages. Therefore, surgery for brainstem hemorrhage is not impossible and can be considered under specific circumstances.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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How is brainstem hemorrhage treated?

Brainstem hemorrhage is extremely dangerous and must be treated as soon as possible. The treatment plan mainly includes: the patient must rest in bed, avoid emotional stimulation, ensure smooth bowel movements, and must strengthen turning over and patting the back to prevent serious complications such as bedsores and pulmonary infections. In terms of medication, it mainly involves providing drugs that protect brain cells and nourish brain nerves. Additionally, because patients with brainstem hemorrhage have high intracranial pressure, it is necessary to administer dehydrating drugs to reduce intracranial pressure. Moreover, once the patient's vital signs stabilize, treatments such as acupuncture and rehabilitation training are needed to promote the recovery of neural functions. If the patient experiences respiratory failure, it is necessary to promptly use a ventilator for treatment. Furthermore, patients with brainstem hemorrhage who are bedridden for a long period can develop complications such as pulmonary infections and urinary system infections. If these complications occur, timely use of antibiotics is necessary to control the complications.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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How is brainstem hemorrhage caused?

There are many causes of brainstem hemorrhage, and in most clinical cases, it is seen in patients who have a history of hypertension and diabetes, and whose blood pressure and blood sugar have not been well controlled. Over time, due to prolonged high blood pressure or high blood sugar, arteriosclerotic changes occur in the vessels, and the vessels' own contractile function gradually declines. Under certain triggering factors, such as fatigue, exhaustion, mental stress, or excessive emotional excitement, the patient may experience transient dilation of the vessels, exceeding their regulatory capacity, which can lead to brainstem hemorrhage. Once brainstem hemorrhage occurs, it often leads to significant disturbances in consciousness within a short period, manifested as stupor or coma.