What a haemorrhagic stroke is

Haemorrhagic stroke

A haemorrhagic stroke happens when a blood vessel in the brain bursts and bleeds. The blood presses on nearby brain tissue and starves other parts of their normal supply.

This type is less common than the blocked kind, but it is often serious. High blood pressure is a frequent cause.

Effects depend on where the bleed is, and may include weakness, headache, confusion or loss of balance.

This matters because it is a true emergency that needs hospital care at once. Recovery is usually slower and more careful than after other strokes.

When the bleed has settled and the person is home, physiotherapy begins gently. At home our physiotherapist rebuilds movement and balance at a safe pace, guided by the medical team, and shows the family how to help without rushing.