Hemorrhagic stroke Health Article

Expectations (prognosis)

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in developed countries. About one-forth of people who have a stroke die as a result of the stroke or its complications, about one-half have long-term disabilities, and about one-forth recover most or all function.

Hemorrhagic stroke is less common but more frequently fatal than ischemic stroke.

Complications

• Pressure sores
• Permanent loss of movement or sensation of a part of the body
• Joint contractures
• Muscle spasticity
• Permanent loss of cognitive or other brain functions (dementia)
• Disruption of communication, decreased social interaction
• Decreased ability to function or care for self
• Decreased life span
• Urinary and respiratory tract infections

Calling your health care provider

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if symptoms of stroke occur. A stroke is a "brain attack," and minutes can make a huge difference in disability and death rates.

Emergency symptoms include seizures or breathing difficulties, loss of consciousness, sudden difficulties with movement or sensation, eating or swallowing difficulties, sudden vision change or loss of vision in one or both eyes, rapid onset of speech changes, and sudden (severe) headache.

Call your health care provider if the condition of a family member with stroke deteriorates to the point that the person cannot be cared for at home.

Prevention

Most cases of hemorrhagic stroke are associated with specific risk factors, such as high blood pressure, smoking, or cocaine use. Controlling blood pressure and avoiding smoking and cocaine can reduce the chances of brain bleeding. Surgery to correct blood vessel abnormalities like aneurysms or AVMs is sometimes advisable to prevent bleeding.