Stroke, emergency care
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Hemorrhagic stroke

When an artery in your brain bursts, blood leaks out into the brain itself. This is called an intracerebral bleed (or intracerebral hemorrhage). It is most often caused by
 
 
 
 
 
high blood pressure
Your blood pressure is considered to be high when it is above the accepted normal range. The usual limit for normal blood pressure is 140/90. If either the first (systolic) number is above 140 or the lower (diastolic) number is above 90, a person is considered to have high blood pressure. Doctors sometimes call high blood pressure "hypertension."
 
 
 
 
 
high blood pressure.

There are several ways this kind of stroke can cause brain damage. The bleeding into the brain can kill brain cells. The blood vessel which has burst can start to spasm, cutting off the blood supply. A large amount of bleeding can cause swelling in the brain. Bleeding can also block other blood vessels that would usually supply the brain with blood.

This information was last updated on Sep 01, 2008
BMJ Group
This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.