Medication Guide App

Hemorrhagic Stroke

What is a hemorrhagic stroke?


What are the signs and symptoms of a hemorrhagic stroke?


  • Severe headache

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Blurred or double vision, or vision loss

  • Dizziness, confusion, or fainting


  • Trouble walking or communicating

How is a hemorrhagic stroke diagnosed?

Your caregiver will ask about your symptoms and when they started. He will ask if you have any medical conditions. The following tests help your caregiver know where the stroke happened, and how much damage you have:

  • CT or MRI scan: Caregivers use these pictures to see a burst blood vessel or bleeding in your brain. You may be given dye to help the pictures show up better. Tell the caregiver if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast dye. Do not enter the MRI room with metal. Metal can cause serious injury. Tell the caregiver if you have a metal implant.

  • Arteriography: X-rays are taken of your arteries to look for bleeding or blockage.

How is a hemorrhagic stroke treated?

  • Medicines: You may need medicine to improve your blood's ability to clot and stop the bleeding. You may also need medicine to treat diabetes, depression, high cholesterol, or blood pressure problems. You may need medicine to decrease the pressure in your brain, reduce pain, or prevent seizures.

  • Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation (rehab) is an important part of treatment. Physical therapists help strengthen your arms, legs, and hands. You learn exercises to improve your balance and movement to decrease your risk of falling. Occupational therapists teach you new ways to do daily activities, such as getting dressed. A speech therapist helps you relearn or improve your ability to talk and swallow.

  • Ventilator: You may need to get oxygen through a ventilator if your stroke affects your ability to breathe. A tube is put into your airway through your nose, mouth, or an incision in your neck. The ventilator gives you oxygen through the tube.

  • Surgery: You may need to have a tube placed in your skull. The tube drains extra fluid and checks the pressure in your brain. You may also need surgery to stop the bleeding or remove blood that has leaked out of the blood vessels.

What increases my risk of a hemorrhagic stroke?

  • You are taking a blood thinning medicine or have a blood clotting disorder.

  • You are at least 55 years old.

  • You are a man.

  • You are pregnant or had a baby within the past 6 weeks.

  • Your father or mother had a stroke, or you had a low birthweight.

  • You have high blood pressure, blood vessel disease, or sickle cell anemia that is not being treated.

What can I do to decrease my risk of a stroke?

  • Manage health conditions: High blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol all increase your risk of stroke. Take your medicines as directed. Follow your caregiver's instructions to check your blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Write the numbers down to show him.

  • Eat healthy foods: What you eat can help prevent or manage high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Eat foods that are low in fat, cholesterol, salt, and sugar. Eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Eat foods that are high in potassium, such as potatoes and bananas.

  • Reach or stay at a healthy weight: Weight loss can decrease your blood pressure and your risk of stroke. Ask your caregiver how much you should weigh and how to lose weight safely. Ask your caregiver how often you should exercise and which exercises to do. You will need to exercise carefully after a stroke so you do not fall.

  • Limit or do not drink alcohol: Alcohol thins the blood, which increases your risk of hemorrhagic stroke. Ask your caregiver if it is safe for you to drink alcohol. You may not be able to drink any alcohol at all. You will need to limit the amount you drink if your caregiver says some alcohol is safe for you. Men should limit alcohol to no more than 2 drinks per day. Women should limit alcohol to no more than 1 drink per day. A drink of alcohol is 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1½ ounces of liquor.

  • Do not use street drugs or smoke cigarettes: Your risk of another stroke increases if you use drugs such as cocaine, or you smoke cigarettes. Ask your caregiver for help if you are having trouble quitting.

What are the risks of a hemorrhagic stroke?

You may bleed more than expected during surgery. You may need a machine to help you breathe. You may have another stroke or go into a coma. You may be paralyzed on one or both sides of your body. You may not be able to care for yourself or live alone. You are at greater risk of falling. You may develop muscle shortening or bedsores. Even with treatment, you may have lasting problems talking, thinking, or moving your body. Without treatment, your risk for another stroke increases. You may die from a stroke.

How can I tell if someone is having a stroke?






Where can I find support and more information?

  • National Stroke Association
    9707 E. Easter Lane
    Centennial , CO 80112
    Phone: 1- 800 - 787-6537
    Web Address:

When should I contact my caregiver?

Contact your caregiver if:



  • You have bowel movement problems.

  • You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

When should I seek immediate care?

Seek care immediately or call 911 if:

  • You have a seizure.

  • You are bleeding from your rectum or nose.





  • You are confused and have problems speaking or understanding speech.

  • You have vision loss or a severe headache.

Care Agreement




Learn more about Hemorrhagic Stroke