How does a cerebral hemorrhage in the early phase manifest itself? | What are the signs of a cerebral hemorrhage?

How does a cerebral hemorrhage in the early phase manifest itself?

A characteristic feature of a cerebral hemorrhage is the sudden appearance of the symptoms. Typically, the above-mentioned symptoms do not all occur simultaneously but increasingly one after the other. The symptomatology depends on the location of the bleeding (cerebrum, cerebellum, brain stem).

Usually, the patient notices above all the sudden onset of headache and nausea. A spontaneously occurring visual disturbance can also be an early sign of a cerebral hemorrhage. On the other hand, hemiplegia, speech and language disorders as well as clouding of consciousness and changes in personality are often observed by relatives or friends. In the further course of the disease, the respective symptoms usually intensify. This is due to the fact that the cerebral hemorrhage has a further displacing effect on the surrounding tissue or that there is secondary bleeding within the first 24 hours.

What are the typical signs in children?

The suspected diagnosis of a cerebral hemorrhage is significantly more difficult in (young) children. Even if the symptoms are very similar to those in adults, children are often unable to describe their pain, nausea or visual disturbances. In addition, it is more difficult to recognize a change in behavior or character, especially in small children.

In order to make a suspected diagnosis of a cerebral hemorrhage in (young) children, it is necessary to observe the child closely. Slow and inadequate reactions, blurred speech, persistent fatigue (possibly with clouding of consciousness) and loss of appetite (due to nausea) may be the first signs of a cerebral hemorrhage in children. Furthermore, pupils of different sizes and a lack of pupil constriction when exposed to light can also indicate brain damage. In small children, a cerebral hemorrhage and the resulting increased intracranial pressure can also cause the skullcap (fontanella) to bulge, since it only ossifies within the first years of life.