Hemorrhagic Stroke: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Hemorrhagic Stroke?
A hemorrhagic stroke is an emergency, so call 911 first. In the hospital, a stroke team treats it, often with a neurologist, a doctor for the brain and nerves, and a neurosurgeon, a surgeon who operates on the brain. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is a hemorrhagic stroke?
A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is lost. Brain cells cannot get the oxygen and nutrients they need, and they start to die within a few minutes. This can cause lasting brain damage, long-term disability, or even death.
A hemorrhagic stroke happens when a blood vessel in the brain bursts and bleeds in or around the brain. The bleeding raises pressure inside the skull and damages brain tissue. It is less common than the other main type of stroke but often more severe.
There are two types. An intracerebral hemorrhage is bleeding directly into brain tissue, and it is the most common type. A subarachnoid hemorrhage is bleeding in the space between the brain and the thin layers of tissue that cover it.
Symptoms
Stroke symptoms often happen suddenly. They include:
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or trouble understanding speech.
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination.
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
The FAST test can help you spot a stroke. Look for a drooping face on one side, an arm that drifts down when raised, and slurred or strange speech. Then it is time to call 911.
Causes and who gets it
A hemorrhagic stroke starts when a blood vessel in the brain breaks open. Common causes include:
- An aneurysm, a bulge in a weakened artery wall that can burst.
- An arteriovenous malformation (AVM), a tangled group of abnormal blood vessels that can rupture inside the brain.
- High blood pressure, which over time can weaken blood vessel walls.
- Head trauma, because a brain injury can cause bleeding.
Blood-thinning medicines may also have led to the bleeding in some people.
How doctors diagnose it
A doctor uses your symptoms, medical history, a physical exam, and test results.
A computed tomography (CT) scan uses X-rays to take detailed pictures of the brain. It is often done right after a suspected stroke and can show bleeding. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses magnets and radio waves to make pictures of the brain. It may be used instead of a CT scan or along with it. Other imaging tests can look for an aneurysm or an AVM.
A lumbar puncture, also called a spinal tap, may be used if the scan finds no bleeding but a doctor still suspects a hemorrhagic stroke. A needle collects fluid from around the spine, and the fluid is tested for substances from damaged blood cells.
Treatment
A stroke needs emergency care. Treatment is often given in a stroke unit of the hospital. The type of treatment depends on what part of the brain is bleeding and how much. The first step is to find the cause of the bleeding and stop it.
You may be given medicine to lower your blood pressure and ease strain on blood vessels in the brain. Blood-thinning medicines that may have led to bleeding are stopped. Depending on the medicine, you may get vitamin K to help stop the bleeding. Follow your doctor's instructions about any blood-thinning medicine.
Procedures may include:
- Aneurysm clipping, in which a surgeon places a tiny clamp at the base of the aneurysm.
- Coil embolization, in which a coil is placed in the aneurysm to form a clot that blocks blood flow through the aneurysm.
- Draining extra fluid that is pressing on the brain.
- Surgery or radiation to remove or shrink an AVM.
- Surgery to remove pooled blood, usually if you show signs of getting worse.
After the stroke, rehabilitation can help people recover lost abilities and regain independence.
When to see a doctor
Call 911 right away if you or someone else has sudden signs of a stroke. These include sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, sudden confusion or trouble speaking, sudden trouble seeing, sudden trouble walking or loss of balance, or a sudden severe headache with no known cause.
If you have risk factors such as high blood pressure, talk with your provider about ways to lower your risk.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. After a stroke, either type of doctor can help with follow-up visits and blood pressure care. They can also help coordinate rehabilitation and specialist visits.
Common questions
Is a hemorrhagic stroke more common than other strokes?
No. A hemorrhagic stroke is less common than the other main type of stroke, but it is often more severe.
How can I lower my risk of a hemorrhagic stroke?
Heart-healthy lifestyle changes are the best way to lower your risk. If lifestyle changes are not enough, your provider may prescribe medicine to help manage your risk factors.
Can people recover after a hemorrhagic stroke?
It depends. A stroke can cause lasting brain damage, long-term disability, or even death. Rehabilitation can help people recover lost abilities and regain independence.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Hemorrhagic Stroke
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute - Stroke Diagnosis
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute - Stroke Treatment
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
