Causes in newborn babies
In comparison to adults, chronically elevated blood pressure values or tumors are generally not risk factors for cerebral hemorrhages in newborns. Common causes in newborns are congenital coagulation disorders or trauma. In particular, falls on the head or blows to the skull can already lead to rupture of the brain vessels and bleeding in the newborn.
The risk is particularly high during the first days to weeks after birth, as the development of the vessel walls is not yet complete. Congenital coagulation disorders associated with an increased tendency to bleed include hemophilia A/B, von Willebrandt-Jürgens syndrome or factor V disease. The diagnosis of a cerebral hemorrhage in newborns is often difficult, as the typical symptoms in newborns are difficult to diagnose.
Alcohol
According to numerous examinations and studies, the risk of cerebral hemorrhage is increased with long-term high alcohol consumption (women > 12g alcohol per day, men > 24g alcohol per day). The exact mechanisms are not yet fully understood. In addition, high alcohol consumption increases the risk of falls.
In the alcoholized state, the protective reflexes are reduced, which means that severe falls on the head are also possible. As a consequence, in some cases, craniocerebral trauma with bleeding into the brain tissue is possible.