How does a brainstem hemorrhage clot get absorbed?

Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
Updated on December 29, 2024
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For patients with brainstem hemorrhage, edema generally enters the edema phase within 24 to 48 hours, and then gradually transitions into the absorption phase. During this period, it is first necessary to provide the patient with medications that enhance brain function, promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis, and nourish the nerves for treatment. At the same time, it is important to monitor changes in the patient's condition, and regularly perform a head CT scan to dynamically observe the changes in cerebral hematoma. In most cases, it is necessary to prevent various complications or concurrent diseases. If there is an abnormality in coagulation function, it is advisable to administer hemostatic drugs for treatment during the acute phase. However, once the patient's condition stabilizes, use medications that improve cerebral microcirculation and promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis for treatment.

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Written by Gao Yi Shen
Neurosurgery
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How long does it take for a brainstem hemorrhage clot to be absorbed?

In general, the absorption time for a brainstem hemorrhage clot is around two to three weeks. During this period, several phases must be passed, with the two main ones being the rebleeding phase and the brain swelling phase. Rebleeding often occurs within three days after the initial bleeding. If not treated promptly during this time, it can easily lead to further brainstem hemorrhage, increasing the size of the clot and hindering the later absorption process. The second phase is the peak of brain swelling and vasospasm. During this phase, certain substances released during the absorption of blood vessels and clots can cause swelling and spasms of the surrounding tissues. If this phase is also safely navigated, then subsequent absorption tends to be relatively quicker. However, complete absorption generally requires at least two to three weeks.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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What should not be eaten in case of brainstem hemorrhage?

Firstly, patients with brainstem hemorrhage should avoid eating foods that are difficult to digest. This is because these patients can easily develop acute gastric mucosal lesions, leading to decreased gastrointestinal function. If they consume harder foods, it could increase the burden on their digestive function, which is detrimental to recovery. Secondly, patients with brainstem hemorrhage should also avoid cold items, such as drinking cold beverages or eating ice cream, as these can easily cause diarrhea. Thirdly, patients with brainstem hemorrhage should not eat overly salty foods, such as pickles, salted meat, salted fish, and so on. These items can cause an increase in blood pressure, potentially exacerbating the brainstem hemorrhage. Fourthly, avoid overly greasy foods as they can increase blood lipids, which is also unfavorable for the recovery from a brainstem hemorrhage. Fifthly, patients with brainstem hemorrhage should not smoke or drink alcohol, as these have no beneficial effect on their condition and could instead accelerate the progression of the disease.

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Written by Jiang Fang Shuai
Neurosurgery
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The difference between brainstem hemorrhage and cerebral hemorrhage.

Cerebral hemorrhage refers to any bleeding caused by the rupture of cerebral blood vessels. Based on the location of the bleeding, there is hemorrhage in the cerebral lobes, thalamic hemorrhage, cerebellar hemorrhage, brainstem hemorrhage, and so on. Consequently, brainstem hemorrhage is a type of cerebral hemorrhage. Because the brainstem is the life center of humans, even a small amount of bleeding can lead to severe consequences, and may even cause death. Therefore, brainstem hemorrhage is one of the most dangerous types of cerebral hemorrhage and has a very high rate of mortality and disability in clinical settings.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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Can brainstem hemorrhage be cured?

For brainstem hemorrhages that have already occurred, the patient should be immediately taken to a local hospital. Initially, a cranial CT scan should be performed to determine the location and amount of bleeding in the brainstem. For minor brainstem hemorrhages, it is recommended to first use medication for treatment. This involves administering drugs that stop bleeding, enhance brain function, promote dehydration, and nourish the nerves, aiding in the gradual cessation of bleeding and the absorption of cerebral hematomas. Most patients can achieve very good treatment outcomes. However, if the brainstem hemorrhage is extensive, it often leads to severe brainstem dysfunction and typically has a poor prognosis.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
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Is brainstem hemorrhage painful?

Brainstem hemorrhage is relatively painful, and most patients with brainstem hemorrhage will exhibit severe headaches and dizziness. The nature of the pain is intense, resembling a cutting pain that is hard to tolerate. However, when the amount of bleeding is large, it can quickly cause damage to important nerve nuclei in the brainstem, and even affect the central nervous system responsible for consciousness, leading to the patient falling into a stupor or coma. In such cases, the patient may not feel pain, but for those who are conscious, severe headaches and dizziness, accompanied by a strong sense of vertigo, especially noticeable when changing positions, often occur.