How to rehabilitate from brainstem hemorrhage?

Written by Chen Yu Fei

Neurosurgery

Updated on February 27, 2025

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For patients with brainstem hemorrhage, it is often recommended during the acute phase to treat them with medications for hemostasis, brain enhancement, nerve nutrition, dehydration to reduce intracranial pressure, and inhibition of gastric acid. It is also important to actively treat complications and comorbidities caused by the brainstem hemorrhage. For these patients, when the condition is stable, appropriate rehabilitation exercises should be carried out. For patients with hemiplegia or aphasia, rehabilitation exercises can be done on the affected limbs, and speech rehabilitation training can help improve current conditions of hemiplegia and aphasia. Additionally, for these patients, active and passive massage of the limbs should be initiated early to prevent muscle atrophy and joint stiffness.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei

Neurosurgery

45sec

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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 Chen Yu Fei

Neurosurgery

48sec

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Dietary Precautions for Brainstem Hemorrhage

For patients with brainstem hemorrhage, attention should be given to their diet. During the acute phase, it is advisable to choose a liquid diet, as most patients with brainstem hemorrhage often have severe swallowing dysfunction. Failing to choose a liquid diet can lead to aspiration, which in turn causes aspiration pneumonia. Furthermore, patients should avoid certain foods for a short period, particularly greasy or spicy foods, as most patients experience significant reductions in digestive function during the acute phase. If dietary intake is not carefully managed, patients often experience significant abdominal pain and diarrhea. Once the patient's condition stabilizes, it is appropriate to include fresh vegetables and fruits in their diet.

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Written by Tang Ying

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

1min 6sec

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How long is the edema period for brainstem hemorrhage?

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 Zhang Hui

Neurology

1min 8sec

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How to rescue brainstem hemorrhage?

Brainstem hemorrhage is an extremely dangerous disease. Patients typically have a long history of hypertension, and their blood pressure is not particularly well-controlled. The onset of the condition is sudden, and if the bleeding is extensive, it can quickly lead to unconsciousness and even respiratory and cardiac failure, resulting in death. It is crucial to rush the patient to the nearest hospital for emergency treatment to avoid aggravating the brainstem hemorrhage due to bumps during a long transport. Generally, the patient should be kept in a supine position, and if they are still conscious, it is vital to keep their emotions stable. Additionally, it is necessary to ensure the airway remains clear. If respiratory failure occurs, ventilation can be provided. Medications that reduce intracranial pressure can be administered to alleviate brainstem edema. Furthermore, respiratory stimulant drugs can be given to ensure breathing. Overall, the mortality rate for brainstem hemorrhages is exceedingly high, with a lack of particularly effective emergency measures.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei

Neurosurgery

50sec

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Signs before death from brainstem hemorrhage

For patients with brainstem hemorrhage, if the patient's life is in danger, they often exhibit some special clinical manifestations. For example, the patient may present with apparent consciousness disturbances, characterized by moderate to severe coma states. In this state, the patient is unaware, unable to open their eyes or speak. When subjected to strong painful stimuli on their limbs, there is often no significant response, or it may just cause muscle twitching. Additionally, patients with brainstem hemorrhage may exhibit severe disturbances in vital signs as they approach death, characterized by shallow, rapid, and weakening spontaneous breathing, sometimes even ceasing, often requiring ventilator support. Also, difficulty in maintaining blood pressure may lead to a sudden drop in pressure or even shock.