A brain hemorrhage, also known as an intracranial hemorrhage, is a serious medical condition that occurs when a blood vessel in or around the brain ruptures, causing blood to leak into surrounding tissues.

This bleeding puts pressure on brain tissue and disrupts blood flow to affected areas, which can lead to tissue damage. (1)


Symptoms of Brain Hemorrhage

Symptoms of a brain hemorrhage vary depending on its type, location, and severity. They often appear suddenly and may worsen over time. Common symptoms include: (2)


  • Sudden and severe headache — often the first sign.
  • Numbness, weakness, or sudden paralysis in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Dizziness.
  • Mental confusion.
  • Difficulty speaking or understanding language.
  • Loss of balance or coordination.
  • Vision problems.
  • Loss of consciousness.
  • Seizures.


If you or a loved one experiences any of these symptoms or suspects a brain hemorrhage, seek emergency medical care immediately.




At Al-Ahli Hospital, our Neurology Department provides comprehensive and specialized care for brain hemorrhages. Our team of experienced neurologists and surgeons is equipped with the latest diagnostic and treatment technologies to give you the best chance of recovery.



Causes of Brain Hemorrhage

Brain hemorrhages can occur in two primary locations:

  • Inside the skull, but outside the brain tissue.
  • Inside the brain tissue itself. (1)


Several factors can lead to brain hemorrhage, including: (1)

  • High blood pressure – the most common cause.
  • Head trauma – such as car accidents or falls, especially common in people under 50.
  • Aneurysms – a weakened blood vessel that balloons and may rupture at any time, causing a stroke.
  • Congenital vascular malformations – people may be born with abnormal or weak blood vessels in the brain that cause symptoms later in life.
  • Blood clotting disorders – such as hemophilia, or the use of blood thinners.
  • Brain tumors – may occasionally lead to bleeding.
  • Chronic liver disease – may interfere with clotting mechanisms and increase the risk of bleeding.


Diagnosing Brain Hemorrhage

Based on symptoms and physical examination, the doctor can determine which part of the brain may be affected and order advanced imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity. These tests include: (2)

  • CT scan (Computed Tomography)
  • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)


Additional blood tests or diagnostic procedures may also be requested to help identify the underlying cause of the hemorrhage.


Treatment of Brain Hemorrhage

The goal of treatment is to stop or minimize bleeding as quickly as possible to prevent further brain damage. The treatment approach depends on the severity and location of the hemorrhage and the patient’s overall health.

Common treatment options include:


  • Surgery – to remove accumulated blood or repair damaged blood vessels when possible.
  • Medications – to manage the underlying causes, such as controlling high blood pressure.


In addition, the patient may require:

  • A ventilator to support breathing.
  • IV fluids or feeding through a tube if they cannot eat or drink.
  • Intensive care unit (ICU) monitoring to stabilize vital signs.


Recovery and Rehabilitation

Once the patient’s condition stabilizes, physical and occupational therapy play a critical role in helping regain lost brain functions—whether motor, cognitive, or sensory—caused by the hemorrhage.


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