Symptoms of cerebral hemorrhage in babies and premature infants

Babies and premature babies also have the possibility of a cerebral hemorrhage. Since the brain of premature infants is much more fragile, the probability of a premature infant suffering a cerebral hemorrhage is significantly increased. Especially the first days after birth are critical with regard to the development of a cerebral hemorrhage in newborns.

The symptoms of a cerebral hemorrhage in babies and premature infants are generally similar to those of adults. However, since children are poorly able to describe the localization of pain, some classic symptoms of cerebral hemorrhage are omitted. In addition, in babies and premature infants the fontanelles on the head are still open.

If the pressure in the skull increases, this can be carefully felt at the fontanelles. If the fontanelles bulge, there is an increase in pressure. The causes of cerebral hemorrhage in babies and premature infants can be very different.

In addition to congenital blood coagulation disorders, trauma and injuries can be the cause of bleeding in the brain. The possible causes for the development of a cerebral hemorrhage are numerous.Often the intake of anticoagulant drugs is the cause of a cerebral hemorrhage. High blood pressure, brain tumors and brain aneurysms can also be responsible for bleeding in the brain.

Head trauma is also often known to be the cause of cerebral hemorrhage. This is more common in alcoholics because the protective reflexes are absent in the alcoholics and a blow to the head is then more likely. It is not always possible to identify the cause of a cerebral hemorrhage.

A cerebral haemorrhage often occurs after a fall on the head. The blow can cause a vessel to rupture, resulting in bleeding and bruising in the brain. The symptoms directly after the fall can be very mild. In the course of the bleeding, however, the symptoms usually worsen in the presence of a cerebral hemorrhage.

Diagnosis

The symptoms that occur during a cerebral hemorrhage are indicative of the diagnosis of a cerebral hemorrhage. Depending on the extent of the hemorrhage and the associated increase in pressure, as well as impairment of important nerves and areas of the brain, the symptoms can be of varying severity. If the affected person is still responsive, the description of the symptoms can help to make a tentative diagnosis of a cerebral hemorrhage.

In a comatose and unconscious patient, the symptoms, which will be discussed during a physical examination, can confirm the suspicion of a cerebral hemorrhage. If a brain hemorrhage is suspected, a computer tomography is usually performed. During this examination, images of the head and brain are produced and a cerebral hemorrhage can be detected within a very short time. If the diagnosis of a cerebral hemorrhage could be made, a therapy is initiated immediately.