What Is Bleeding of the Brain Stem?
Bleeding in the brain stem is a sign of a brain hemorrhage. When it occurs in the brain stem, which is the site for the majority of the body's automatic functions, the patient can lose the ability to respond and even go into a coma, according to MedicineNet.
Another possible symptom of brain hemorrhage is a headache, along with issues with coordination and balance, weakness on one side of the body, sudden seizure or numbness. Many times these symptoms come on quickly and get worse in a matter of minutes or hours; however, in other instances, the symptoms can take days to progress fully, notes MedicineNet.
High blood pressure is the most frequent cause for brain hemorrhages. As time goes by, high blood pressure wears away at artery walls, setting the stage for a rupture. After the vessel breaks, blood gathers in the brain, building up to stroke symptoms. Another cause for hemorrhage is aneurysm, or a weak place in an arterial wall. This weak spot balloons outward and often bursts. A third cause for brain hemorrhage is metastasis of cancer from other organs to the brain. Drug abuse and amyloid protein deposits are two more reasons that some brain hemorrhages take place, as stated by MedicineNet.
