Hemorrhagic Stroke: Causes, Risks, and What You Need to Know

When a hemorrhagic stroke, a type of stroke caused by bleeding in or around the brain. Also known as intracerebral hemorrhage or subarachnoid hemorrhage, it happens when a blood vessel bursts, flooding brain tissue with blood and crushing delicate neurons. Unlike ischemic strokes, which are caused by clots, hemorrhagic strokes are often sudden, severe, and demand immediate action. About 13% of all strokes are hemorrhagic, but they account for nearly 40% of stroke-related deaths. The most common cause? Uncontrolled high blood pressure, a silent condition that weakens artery walls over time. It doesn’t always come with symptoms—until it’s too late.

Other triggers include aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), and certain blood-thinning medications. People taking warfarin or newer anticoagulants like dabigatran need to know how their meds interact with brain health. Even something as simple as a fall or intense physical strain can trigger bleeding in someone with fragile vessels. Age, alcohol use, smoking, and genetics all play roles. The stroke prevention, a set of lifestyle and medical strategies to reduce the risk of brain bleeding isn’t just about taking pills—it’s about daily choices. Monitoring your blood pressure at home, cutting back on salt, avoiding binge drinking, and staying active aren’t just good advice—they’re survival tools.

What you won’t find in most guides are the real stories behind the numbers. Like the 68-year-old who kept ignoring her 160/95 readings because she felt fine. Or the 52-year-old man who had a stroke after a single night of heavy drinking, despite never having been diagnosed with hypertension. These aren’t rare cases. They’re preventable. The posts below dig into exactly what works: how certain medications affect bleeding risk, why older adults are more vulnerable, what tests doctors use to spot hidden weaknesses in brain vessels, and how lifestyle changes can cut your risk in half—even after a warning sign. You’ll find practical advice from people who’ve lived through it, and clear explanations from medical experts who know the science behind the symptoms. No fluff. Just what you need to protect yourself or someone you care about.