Clinical Presentation

• Symptoms:
  • Sudden and severe headache
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Decreased level of consciousness
  • Focal neurologic deficits corresponding to the location of bleeding (e.g., hemiparesis, sensory loss, visual disturbances)
  • Seizures
• Risk Factors:
  • Hypertension
  • Age (most common in individuals over 45 years old)
  • Previous history of hemorrhagic stroke
  • Cerebral amyloid angiopathy
  • Coagulopathies (e.g., hemophilia, thrombocytopenia)
  • Illicit drug use (e.g., cocaine, amphetamines)
  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Smoking
  • Family history of hemorrhagic stroke

Hemorrhagic stroke typically presents with sudden and severe symptoms, including a severe headache that is often described as the worst headache of the patient’s life. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and a decreased level of consciousness. Focal neurologic deficits are common, and their specific nature depends on the location of the bleeding within the brain. Risk factors play a crucial role in the development of hemorrhagic stroke, with hypertension being the most significant risk factor. Age, previous history of hemorrhagic stroke, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, coagulopathies, illicit drug use, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and family history of hemorrhagic stroke also contribute to the risk. Early recognition of these symptoms and risk factors is essential for prompt diagnosis and management.