The difference between brainstem hemorrhage and cerebral hemorrhage.

Written by Jiang Fang Shuai

Neurosurgery

Updated on September 25, 2024

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Cerebral hemorrhage refers to any bleeding caused by the rupture of cerebral blood vessels. Based on the location of the bleeding, there is hemorrhage in the cerebral lobes, thalamic hemorrhage, cerebellar hemorrhage, brainstem hemorrhage, and so on. Consequently, brainstem hemorrhage is a type of cerebral hemorrhage. Because the brainstem is the life center of humans, even a small amount of bleeding can lead to severe consequences, and may even cause death. Therefore, brainstem hemorrhage is one of the most dangerous types of cerebral hemorrhage and has a very high rate of mortality and disability in clinical settings.

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Written by Zhang Hui

Neurology

1min 7sec

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How long does it take to wake up from a brainstem hemorrhage?

Brainstem hemorrhage is a very serious condition. If the amount of bleeding in the brainstem increases, the patient will rapidly become comatose and exhibit symptoms such as paralysis of the limbs, inability to swallow, and inability to speak. Generally, if a patient with brainstem hemorrhage falls into a coma and cranial CT confirms a large amount of bleeding in the brainstem, the chances of the patient waking up are very, very slim. If the amount of brainstem hemorrhage is not particularly large and the patient's level of coma is not very deep, treatment may lead to the patient waking up, which could take about two to four weeks. However, the prognosis for brainstem hemorrhage is generally poor, and if the patient falls into a coma, they are usually unlikely to wake up. The treatment for brainstem hemorrhage mainly involves controlling blood pressure and preventing complications. If respiratory failure occurs, timely treatment with a ventilator is necessary. Overall, brainstem hemorrhage has a poor prognosis and high costs.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei

Neurosurgery

49sec

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Is brainstem hemorrhage prone to recurrence?

Bleeding in the brainstem area, if not well controlled and treated, is very prone to recurrence. In most cases, considering that patients have underlying diseases such as hypertension and diabetes, and do not control their blood pressure and blood sugar well, resulting in prolonged high levels of blood pressure and blood sugar, such conditions can easily lead to the recurrence of brainstem hemorrhage. Therefore, it is recommended to monitor blood pressure in the morning and evening, take antihypertensive medications on time, and keep the patient's blood pressure within a relatively stable range. Additionally, it is suggested to follow a light diet, low in salt and fat, and to regularly revisit the local hospital for a thorough monitoring of the patient’s vital signs.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei

Neurosurgery

44sec

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How to exercise balance after brainstem hemorrhage?

For patients with brainstem hemorrhage who exhibit significant limb motor dysfunction and reduced sense of balance, it is recommended to seek treatment at a well-known local tertiary hospital. Experienced rehabilitation therapists should assess the current condition and develop an individualized rehabilitation exercise plan based on the patient's condition. Gradually, they should begin exercise training, including training for limb balance capabilities. Patients who actively and effectively engage in exercise therapy often achieve good therapeutic effects, with gradual restoration of balance and strengthening of limb motor function, achieving relatively satisfactory treatment outcomes.

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Written by Jiang Fang Shuai

Neurosurgery

56sec

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How long does one generally remain unconscious with brainstem hemorrhage?

The duration of coma following brainstem hemorrhage is uncertain. It mainly depends on two factors: The first factor is the amount of bleeding. For brainstem hemorrhages of less than three milliliters, the level of coma is relatively shallow, and some patients may not experience any coma at all, with a high chance of successful resuscitation. For hemorrhages greater than three milliliters, as the amount of bleeding increases, the depth of the patient's coma also deepens, potentially leading to death shortly after the onset of the condition, or the patient might remain comatose for a prolonged period before eventually succumbing. The second factor is whether timely and effective treatment was administered after the brainstem hemorrhage, including medication, necessary surgical interventions, active prevention of complications, and the stabilization of the condition, as well as treatments aimed at promoting awakening, among others.

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Written by Jiang Fang Shuai

Neurosurgery

1min 10sec

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Is brainstem hemorrhage serious?

Brainstem hemorrhage is caused by the rupture of small blood vessels in the brainstem, with common causes including hypertension, cerebral arteriosclerosis, vascular degeneration, and microaneurysms of vessels. Clinically, it manifests as sudden onset of consciousness impairment, confusion, coma or deep coma, accompanied by disorders of limb sensory and motor functions, eye movement disorders, and unstable vital signs, among others. If the hemorrhage occurs in the medulla, it can cause death by stopping the patient's heartbeat and breathing within a short period. Brainstem hemorrhage is a severe condition in neurology, and treatment focuses on bed rest to stop bleeding, reducing intracranial pressure, and treating complications. Despite advances in modern medicine, medical professionals often find themselves powerless in the face of many patients with brainstem hemorrhage. For brainstem hemorrhages with more than three milliliters of blood, most patients ultimately succumb to the condition. Therefore, brainstem hemorrhage is a very serious disease with a very high mortality rate in clinical settings.