Can You Feel a Brain Hemorrhage by Feeling Your Head?

When considering the symptoms of a brain hemorrhage, it's important to understand that simply feeling your head is not a reliable way to detect one. Brain hemorrhages can present in various forms, but the classical description of a subarachnoid hemorrhage, a type of intracerebral bleed, is a thunderclap headache—extremely severe and rapidly onset. While a brain hemorrhage can cause a variety of symptoms, headaches are just one of them. Let's break down the different types of brain hemorrhages and their associated symptoms.

Types of Brain Hemorrhages

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

The subarachnoid hemorrhage is a result of a rupture in a small aneurysm within the brain. This type of bleeding occurs deep within the brain tissue and is life-threatening and often fatal. The classic symptom is a thunderclap headache, characterized by its sudden and extreme intensity.

Extradural Hemorrhage

An extradural hemorrhage occurs when the middle meningeal artery is ruptured by a blow to the head that is strong enough to cause it. This type of bleeding, while severe, is different from internal bleeding. While it can be painful, the bleeding is not on the brain but inside the skull. This situation necessitates urgent medical attention as it squashes the brain and requires decompression.

Subdural Hemorrhage

A subdural hemorrhage is less dramatic in its causative factors and may result from much less trauma, even occurring spontaneously in elderly individuals who take anticoagulants like warfarin. The blood accumulates gradually, often over days or weeks, making it difficult to notice the early symptoms. The typical presentation includes confusion and drowsiness following a minor head injury, accompanied by a headache, which may not always be present.

Real-Life Experiences and Symptoms

Symptoms of a brain hemorrhage can vary widely. One real-life scenario involved an individual who felt nauseous after suffering from a severe intracerebral bleed. This person experienced a thunderclap headache and walked to the bathroom intending to vomit but did not realize half their body was numb until a coworker called 911. They were taken directly to the emergency room (ER) where they were told they had a brain bleed.

During an ER visit, patients experiencing a brain hemorrhage are more likely to complain of the worst headache of their life. They might also experience severe headache, dizziness, confusion, and nausea. These symptoms can vary depending on the region of the brain affected. For instance, a hemorrhage in the occipital lobe might manifest as visual disturbances, while one in the frontal lobe could result in behavioral changes.

Conclusion and Further Action

While it's impossible to feel a brain hemorrhage by simply palpating the head, recognizing the associated symptoms is crucial. If you suffer a head injury, it is strongly advised to seek medical attention promptly. Neurological symptoms such as severe headache, confusion, dizziness, and nausea can be early warning signs of a brain hemorrhage. Early detection and intervention can significantly improve outcomes.

Consult with a healthcare professional if you suspect a brain hemorrhage or have experienced trauma to the head. They can provide a thorough examination and necessary diagnostic tests to determine the presence of a brain hemorrhage and initiate appropriate treatment.

Keywords: brain hemorrhage, headache, neurological symptoms