Internal bleeding in the head, also known as a brain hemorrhage, typically starts when blood vessels inside the skull are damaged and leak or rupture. This damage can occur due to a variety of reasons.
Causes of Internal Bleeding in the Head
Here's a breakdown of common causes:
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): A significant blow to the head is a frequent cause. This can happen from:
- Falls
- Car accidents
- Assaults
- Sports injuries
- Weakened Blood Vessels: Issues with the blood vessels themselves can lead to bleeding:
- Aneurysms: Bulges in the wall of a blood vessel that can burst.
- Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs): Abnormal tangles of blood vessels that are prone to rupture.
- Amyloid Angiopathy: A condition where amyloid protein builds up in the walls of brain arteries, weakening them.
- High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Over time, high blood pressure can damage and weaken blood vessel walls, increasing the risk of rupture.
- Arteriosclerosis: Hardening and thickening of the artery walls can make them more susceptible to damage and bleeding.
- Blood Clotting Disorders: Conditions that affect the blood's ability to clot properly, such as hemophilia or thrombocytopenia, can increase the risk of bleeding.
- Medications: Blood thinners (anticoagulants) like warfarin or aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding, especially if not carefully monitored or if combined with other risk factors.
- Other Underlying Conditions: Tumors, infections, or other rare conditions can also contribute to internal bleeding in the head.
Example Scenario
Imagine a person involved in a car accident who hits their head on the steering wheel. The impact can damage blood vessels within the skull, causing them to tear and bleed. The accumulating blood puts pressure on the brain, leading to potential neurological damage.
In short, internal bleeding in the head initiates with damage to the blood vessels inside the skull, resulting from trauma, weakened vessels, underlying medical conditions, or medications.
