Neurology-Online

What are the chances of recovery after a cerebral hemorrhage?

introduction

When there is a cerebral hemorrhage, there is a hemorrhage into the skull. This bleeding can occur between the meninges or in the brain tissue itself (intracerebral). The accumulation of blood in the head pushes the brain tissue away. This pressure damages the nerve cells. Depending on the location of the bleeding, corresponding neurological dysfunctions occur. In the case of extensive bleeding, the bruise must be surgically removed. Despite the operation, however, the patient can die of cerebral haemorrhage. The chances of recovery are individually very different. They depend on the age and general condition of the patient as well as the location and extent of the bleeding. Consequential damage often remains.

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What consequential damage can be expected after a cerebral haemorrhage?

The consequential damage to be expected after a cerebral hemorrhage depends on many factors. Among other things, what kind of cerebral hemorrhage it was and the extent of the bleeding. For example, did an operation have to be performed because a large bruise caused damage to the nerve cells due to pressure on the brain tissue? This influences the consequential damage. Small hemorrhages often remain without consequential damage. Large bleeding that must be tackled surgically often results in more extensive restrictions. The type of consequential damage depends on the location of the bleeding; What was the function of the brain region in which the bleeding occurred? So depending on the location of the bleeding, paralysis, sensory disorders, visual disturbances and speech disorders can occur. Bleeding in the area of the cerebellum leads to coordination and movement disorders. Are the nerve cells in the Brain stem Damaged by bleeding or the resulting increase in intracranial pressure, respiratory paralysis and death can result.

What symptoms can be cured?

Which symptoms go away cannot be said in general terms. In principle, however, the following applies: if the nerve cells have been damaged by the cerebral haemorrhage in such a way that they die, a complete healing is rather unlikely, especially if many nerve cells have died. Sometimes the patient is lucky and the cerebral hemorrhage is diagnosed and treated quickly. If the operation relieves pressure on the nerve cells before they are irreversibly damaged, then the chances of recovery are also better. Corresponding symptoms can regress again. Of course, the extent of the damage is also crucial. For example, if the entire brain region that is responsible for movement on one side of the body is damaged, the patient will have permanent movement restrictions on the other side of the body. As part of rehabilitation, you can of course try to reduce these symptoms through continuous and intensive training. Sometimes neighboring brain regions take on new tasks. In the case of extensive nerve cell damage, however, it is unfortunately usually the case that the consequential damage persists.

Which symptoms will not improve?

Whether or not symptoms improve after a cerebral hemorrhage does not necessarily depend on the type of symptoms. It is much more important how long and to what extent the corresponding brain region has been damaged. If the cerebral hemorrhage resulted in extensive death of the nerve cells in the language center, a language disorder will only improve insignificantly over time. Ultimately, however, you always have to wait, as some symptoms are aggravated by brief brain swelling in the relevant brain region. Symptoms can recede by themselves, especially after an operation. As part of the rehabilitation measure, you can try to compensate for certain functional deficits through training. Ultimately, however, it is unfortunately the case that if large areas of brain cells have died due to the cerebral hemorrhage, the resulting damage usually only improves insignificantly.

Also read the article: Stroke of the language center.

How long does it take for damage to improve?

How long it takes for consequential damage after a cerebral haemorrhage to improve varies greatly and depends on the individual patient. It should be noted, however, that younger people usually recover better and faster than older people. The cause of the cerebral hemorrhage also plays a role. If the damage was caused by a brief traumatic act of violence (e.g. an accident), the ability to recover is better than with consequential damage caused by extensive cerebral hemorrhage from high blood pressure. After the acute phase in the hospital, neurological rehabilitation follows. Depending on the severity of the consequential damage, it lasts from a few weeks to months. During this period, an improvement in the restrictions can often be achieved; this depends on the one hand on the individual rehabilitation potential of the individual patient and on the other hand on the extent of the brain damage. Overall, rehabilitation after a cerebral hemorrhage is a lengthy process that can take up to a year:

Occupational therapy

Occupational therapy treatment after a cerebral hemorrhage is urgently required to improve the patient's everyday skills. The aim is for the patient to be able to get by on their own at home as independently as possible. Therefore, appropriate everyday activities are trained in the hospital: getting dressed, washing, bathing, brushing teeth, shopping, cooking, ... If aids are necessary, the patient learns how to use them safely in occupational therapy. The relatives are also advised by the occupational therapists on how they can best support the patient in everyday life.

physical therapy

Physiotherapy treatment after a cerebral hemorrhage begins in the intensive care unit. It is important to avoid stiffening. The physiotherapist helps patients with movement disorders to improve their motor skills. Balance and fine motor movements are also trained together with a physiotherapist. As part of the rehabilitation measure, strength, endurance and resilience are promoted. Physiotherapy is very important because mobility makes everyday life much easier and everyday competence is quality of life.

Which drugs improve the chances of recovery?

Ultimately, there are no drugs that directly improve the chances of recovery after a cerebral hemorrhage. It is important to minimize the risk factors for recruiting cerebral hemorrhage. It is therefore important that the blood pressure is well controlled (with medication). If a drug was taken to thin the blood before the cerebral hemorrhage, the indication should be checked critically, if necessary the dose can be reduced or switched to another drug. If there are typical risk factors that lead to hardening of the arteries, these should be reduced. Medicines are also used that affect the sugar and fat metabolism. Much more important than medication to improve the chances of recovery after a cerebral hemorrhage is a neurological rehabilitation measure.

Homeopathy after a cerebral haemorrhage

A special neurological rehabilitation measure is essential so that a patient can recover after a cerebral haemorrhage and to reduce consequential damage. A team of doctors, nurses and numerous therapists work hand in hand here. Homeopathic treatment of certain symptoms can be done as a supplement. However, a doctor should always be consulted beforehand in order to rule out dangerous causes for the symptoms. Once this has been done, various homeopathic preparations can be considered. However, this should always be discussed with an experienced homeopath.