Causes of brainstem hemorrhage convulsions

Written by Tang Li Li
Neurology
Updated on May 23, 2025
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Seizures may occur due to a brainstem hemorrhage for several reasons, First, significant edema following a brainstem hemorrhage, combined with the mass effect of the hemorrhage itself, can lead to substantial compression of the brainstem, potentially resulting in tonic seizures. Second, the irritation from the hemorrhage could trigger symptomatic epilepsy, with the patient possibly experiencing partial new epileptic seizures that evolve into generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Third, the brainstem hemorrhage might cause high fever, which could induce febrile convulsions, also leading to seizures. Fourth, the treatment of brainstem hemorrhage often involves the use of high doses of diuretics. If severe dehydration occurs, it can lead to a state of excessive dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and hyperosmolarity; high sodium levels might also trigger seizures.

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

The timing of awakening after a coma caused by a brainstem hemorrhage must be judged based on the situation. As brainstem hemorrhages are relatively severe, there is generally no possibility of awakening if the patient's breathing, heartbeat, and circulation are not stable. If the patient can breathe normally off a ventilator and has a normal heartbeat and other vital signs, and pupil responses are also normal, then typically, they may awaken within one to two weeks. However, recovery times vary from person to person depending on the specifics of the condition, the location of the hemorrhage, and the surrounding tissue involved. Therefore, assessments should be made based on specific clinical signs at the time. Particularly with hemorrhages in the medulla oblongata, once coma ensues, it's often impossible to fully awaken the patient, and many succumb to complications later on. Therefore, adequate psychological preparation is essential in clinical settings.

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Written by Zhang Hui
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What should not be eaten in case of brainstem hemorrhage?

Firstly, patients with brainstem hemorrhage should avoid eating foods that are difficult to digest. This is because these patients can easily develop acute gastric mucosal lesions, leading to decreased gastrointestinal function. If they consume harder foods, it could increase the burden on their digestive function, which is detrimental to recovery. Secondly, patients with brainstem hemorrhage should also avoid cold items, such as drinking cold beverages or eating ice cream, as these can easily cause diarrhea. Thirdly, patients with brainstem hemorrhage should not eat overly salty foods, such as pickles, salted meat, salted fish, and so on. These items can cause an increase in blood pressure, potentially exacerbating the brainstem hemorrhage. Fourthly, avoid overly greasy foods as they can increase blood lipids, which is also unfavorable for the recovery from a brainstem hemorrhage. Fifthly, patients with brainstem hemorrhage should not smoke or drink alcohol, as these have no beneficial effect on their condition and could instead accelerate the progression of the disease.

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Written by Zhang Hui
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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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Rehabilitation of sequelae of brainstem hemorrhage

For patients with brainstem hemorrhage, there may be certain sequelae, such as obvious motor dysfunction of the limbs, like hemiplegia on one side. Additionally, some patients may also lose speech functions, manifested as motor aphasia or mixed aphasia. Most patients are likely to experience a decline in memory and have difficulty swallowing, often accompanied by coughing when drinking water. For these patients, post-recovery rehabilitation treatment becomes particularly crucial. During the recovery phase, effective rehabilitation exercises should be provided for the sequelae, such as rehabilitation exercises for motor functions of the affected limbs and speech function exercises.

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sequelae of brainstem hemorrhage

All the different sequelae of cerebral hemorrhage can potentially occur after a brainstem hemorrhage. This is because the brainstem is a critical link between the brain and the body, acting as the command center within the headquarters. Of course, whether sequelae will occur and which ones will occur after a brainstem hemorrhage primarily depends on the amount of bleeding and the location of the bleed. If the bleeding in the brainstem is minor and occurs in a less critical area, the sequelae are usually minimal, and some people might not experience any sequelae at all. However, if there is substantial bleeding in the brainstem and the area affected is crucial, the patient may remain comatose for a long period. Even if they are revived and regain consciousness, they may suffer from severe functional impairments and experience numerous sequelae.