​Intracerebral Haemorrhage (Stroke)

Stroke represents a disorder of the cerebrovascular system (brain and blood vessels) which affects the blood supply of your brain. There are two major types of stroke, Ischemic and Haemorrhagic. It is the leading cause of disability across the globe, more common in men than women and can be life-threatening. The haemorrhagic type accounts for approximately 20% of all strokes, which includes intracerebral haemorrhage and <subarachnoid haemorrhage>. 

Let us take a look at the events leading to a stroke. Brain cells (neurons) are completely dependent on their arteries to bring them nutrients and oxygen. If this supply is cut off even for a few minutes, the brain cells are permanently injured and die. Consequently, the respective body function controlled by the damaged nerves is lost. 

Intracerebral haemorrhage occurs due to bleeding into the brain from a diseased blood vessel which leaks or ruptures. Uncontrolled high blood pressure is the most common underlying cause. Additionally, injury to the head, inflammation of blood vessels, brain aneurysm (weak vessel walls), overtreatment with blood thinning medication and drug abuse (cocaine or amphetamine usage) are also recognized causes of brain haemorrhage. The pooling of blood between the neurons exerts harmful effects by compressing them and blocking their fresh blood supply.  ​

Smoking, excessive alcohol intake, uncontrolled diabetes, high cholesterol, being overweight, heart disease, diseased carotid artery, sedentary lifestyle and age above 55 years are well-known risk factors of stroke.​​

When to seek expert advise

If you suspect a stroke by noticing any of the above mentioned symptoms, do not waste any time in rushing to the <24/7 Emergency & Acute Care Service Line> at The Aga Khan University Hospital. Urgent medical attention is crucial for survival and prevention of permanent disability. Here is an easy pneumonic to help you identify the signs in yourself and others = BE FAST, which stands for:

• Balance: loss of balance suddenly while walking or even standing.

• Eyes: sudden complete loss of or blurry vision; seeing double.

• Face: drooping of one side of face when you ask the suspected person to smile.

• Arms: try to raise both of your arms (or ask the affected person to raise their arms). One arm would drift downwards involuntarily.

• Speech: slurred or strangely unrecognizable.

• Time: every minute counts. Go to the <24/7 Emergency & Acute Care Service Line> immediately.

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