What Are the Chances of Surviving a Brain Bleed? Prognosis, Recovery & Risk Factors Explained

Do you know that over 795,000 Americans struggle with stroke every year? A brain bleed, a type of stroke, can occur without warning and often seems very scary and serious. But what does it indicate for survival? Whether caused due to head injuries, high blood pressure, or trauma, a brain bleed is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. Though proper treatment can help you recover from it, the common concern that arises is, "What are the chances of surviving a brain bleed?"

Explore the blog to clear all the factors related to a brain bleed!

What Are The Chances Of Surviving A Brain Bleed?

Curious to know, “What is the survival rate for a brain bleed?” The survival rate will depend on the severity and location of the brain bleed, duration between the beginning of the bleeding and treatment, overall health status, and many other factors. If addressed when you experience the first symptom, the chances of living are good.

• An estimated brain bleed survival rate is approximately 26.7% for 5 years.

• Overall 30-day survival rate for patients with primary brainstem hemorrhage, a subtype of intracerebral hemorrhage, is 70%.

• Severe cases, particularly those involving large brain areas and late treatment, might have survival rates under 40% to 50%, and something much lower.

• The 30-day mortality (death) rate for people with intracranial hemorrhage is up to 40-50%.

• Subarachnoid hemorrhages have a mortality rate of about 30% to 40%, with many patients struggling with chronic health complications.

If the injuries or traumas impact the whole brain, the chances of survival are zero. Even a person can't live for 5 months. Early diagnosis and treatment can help determine how long a person can survive after experiencing a brain bleed. 

Types of Brain Bleeds

• Intracerebral Hemorrhage

• Bleeding into the brain tissue.

• Often occur due to high blood pressure, head trauma, and blood vessel abnormalities

• Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

• Bleeding between the brain & its covering

• Often caused by a ruptured brain aneurysm, head injuries, bleeding disorders, and blood vessel disorders.

• Subdural Hematoma

• Bleeding between the brain & its outer lining (called the dura mater)

• Commonly occur due to head injuries, sudden shaking, and the use of blood thinners

• Epidural Hematoma

• Bleeding between the skull & the dura mater (outer brain covering).

• Usually caused by head trauma, car accidents, and sports injuries.

Factors Affecting the Survival Rate

The following are the key factors affecting the survival rate of a brain bleed:

1. Location and Severity of the Bleed:

• Bleeding in the critical brain areas or the one that causes extreme intracranial pressure inside the brain tissue and the skull can be more life-threatening.

2. Causes of the Bleed:

• Causes, like high blood pressure or trauma, may be managed rapidly, while others, such as blood vessel disorders or ruptured aneurysms, can contribute to extreme bleeding or complications.

3. Speed of Medical Treatment Response:

• The quicker the medical treatment (like medications or surgery to alleviate the pressure), the more the chances of reduced brain damage and survival.

4. Age and Overall Health

• Younger and healthier people tend to heal much better. Moreover, older adults or those living with chronic health issues such as diabetes or high blood pressure have higher risks of death.

5. Presence of Coma or Having Neurological Damage

• People who go into a coma or become unconscious for a long period after a brain bleed often have poor chances of living. 

Is it Possible to Recover Completely From a Brain Bleed?

It totally depends on the severity and location of bleeding and the amount of swelling caused by the bleeding. In some cases, people recover fully, especially when the bleed is small, the treatment is received quickly, and there is strong rehabilitation support. However, others may survive with several lasting complications.

The long-term effects of brain bleed include:

• Loss of brain function

• Stroke

• Severe side effects of medications

• Seizures

• Emotional and personality changes

• Memory or cognitive impairments

• Difficulty with speech, communication, and swallowing

• Weakness or numbness in the body part

• Inability to move body parts (paralysis)

Apart from this, there is no guarantee that people can live a normal life or perform the same activities they used to do before experiencing a brain bleed. Unfortunately, death can also occur even after treatment. However, the sooner you receive proper treatment, the lower the chances of death. Moreover, rehabilitation programs, including physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy, may be needed for months or even years to recover well.

What Causes A Brain Bleed: Factors Responsible for it

Well, a broken or leaky blood vessel leads to bleeding from the brain. The following are the potential causes:

• Long-term high blood pressure (hypertension)

• Traumas or injuries due to falls, accidents, or hard blows to the head

• Hardening, narrowing, and thickening of the blood arteries due to the fatty deposits (atherosclerosis)

• An abnormal lump in the walls of blood vessels (called a cerebral aneurysm)

• An accumulation of protein inside the walls of brain arteries; this condition is called cerebral amyloid angiopathy

• Abnormal malformations in the arteries and veins (called arteriovenous malformations)

• Bleeding disorders such as hemophilia and sickle cell anemia

• Consuming illegal drugs like cocaine

• Brain tumors

• Blood clot

• Liver diseases

• Heavy alcohol use and smoking

Symptoms of Brain Bleed

The symptoms might vary based on the nature of the bleeding, the extent to which the brain tissue is infected, and the location of the bleeding. They may be:

• Sudden and severe headache

• Dizziness

• Nausea and vomiting

• Decreased alertness

• Lethargy

• Extreme tingling, numbness, and weakness in the legs and arms

• Difficulty in speaking, swallowing, and understanding communicated words

• Sudden seizures

• Loss of balance, consciousness, and coordination

• Loss of motor function

• A problem with breathing

• Slurred speech

• Confusion

• Neck stiffness

• Vision loss

• Abnormal heart rate

• Sensitivity to light

Treatment Options for A Brain Bleed

A brain bleed treatment may vary depending on the location and the severity of the brain bleeding. Doctors will primarily focus on making the blood stop oozing and addressing the causes. The treatment may include:

1. Medications:

Based on the test result, the doctors may prescribe these medications to manage symptoms and causes or prevent the risk of complications:

• Anti-anxiety medications

• Antiseizure medications

• Blood pressure medications

• Pain relievers

• Steroid medications (like corticosteroids)

• Stool softeners (to reduce pressure and straining)

2. Surgery:

When the bleed size is large, the healthcare providers recommend surgery. The following surgeries help stop bleeding and manage the underlying causes:

• Decompression: Involves making a hole in the skull to remove the accumulated blood or fluid and alleviate pressure.

• Craniectomy: Surgical removal of part of the skull to allow the swollen brain area to expand and relieve pressure.

• Craniotomy: Surgical removal and replacement of the part of the skull to reduce pressure and treat the source of bleeding.

In addition, the doctors may help with:

• Supplemental oxygen through a ventilator.

• Fluids and nutrients via a feeding tube or vein (intravenously)

• Close monitoring in the ICU (Intensive Care Unit) for the critical signs to become stable.

3. Long-term Rehabilitation

• Physical therapy

• Occupational therapy

• Speech therapy

• Lifestyle Changes

Also Read: What you should know about Brain Surgery?

How Can You Improve Your Chances Of Surviving A Brain Bleed?

After you get diagnosed and treated for a brain bleed, you need to consider some lifestyle changes to reduce the complications. The following are the important measures you need to consider:

• Maintaining your blood sugar levels if you are diabetic.

• Eating well-balanced food.

• Lowering cholesterol levels.

• Regularly practicing some exercises.

• Limiting alcohol intake.

• Quitting smoking.

• Managing blood pressure levels.

• Losing excess body weight.

• Wear head protection, like helmets, while riding the vehicles.

• Avoid blood-thinning medications unless prescribed.

• Get regular health checkups.

Preventive Tips For Brain Bleeding

You can take several prevention measures to reduce the risks of a brain bleed. However, certain factors like genetics are unmanageable. The following are the proper steps a person can take:

• Exercise Regularly

• Control Blood Pressure Levels

• Follow A Well-Balanced, Nutritious Diet

• Control Blood Sugar Levels

• Reduce Stress

• Lose Excess Body Weight

• Limit Sugar And Salt Intake

• Quit Smoking

• Have Less Alcohol

People with diabetes and heart disease can manage the symptoms of a brain bleed by seeking professional help from a licensed doctor.

Final Thoughts

So, what are the chances of survival after a brain bleed? Well, it depends on several factors, including severity and location of the brain bleed, duration between the beginning of the bleeding and treatment, overall health status, etc. While some cases can recover completely, others can cause chronic health challenges or be life-threatening. Early detection of the symptoms and treatment is crucial to improving the chances of living.

If you suspect brain bleed symptoms, seek emergency help immediately for improved outcomes.