Bleeding in the brain, also known as intracranial hemorrhage, occurs when a blood vessel within the brain bursts, causing damage to the brain. Brain bleeds can be life-threatening and cause brain damage. There are two main areas where bleeding can occur: within the skull but outside of the brain tissue, or inside the brain tissue itself. Doctors refer to the two main areas of the brain affected when determining the type of brain hemorrhage. The following are some of the most common causes of brain bleeds:

• Head trauma: Injuries to the head are the most common reason for a brain hemorrhage to occur in people younger than 50 years old.
• High blood pressure: High blood pressure, if left untreated, can weaken the blood vessel walls and lead to a brain hemorrhage.
• Aneurysm: An aneurysm occurs when a blood vessel wall weakens and swells. A burst aneurysm can cause bleeding in the brain and lead to stroke.
• Blood or bleeding disorders: People who have diseases such as hemophilia and sickle cell anemia are more likely to experience brain bleeds.

Symptoms of brain bleeds can include headache, nausea and vomiting, tingling in the extremities, facial paralysis, lethargy, confusion, loss of consciousness, difficulty understanding, speaking, reading, or writing. Brain bleeds are a medical emergency and require immediate medical attention. To diagnose a brain hemorrhage, doctors may order a CT scan, an MRI, or other tests. The seriousness and outcome of a brain bleed depend on its cause, location inside the skull, size of the bleed, the amount of time that passes between the bleed and treatment, age, and overall health.