Brain haemorrhage
Last updated: 15 Dec. 2025
Reviewed by: Specialist doctors from the Elfcare quality team
A sudden, severe headache. A feeling of weakness in one arm. Slurred speech or blurred vision. These symptoms can appear without warning and are often linked to a serious event in the brain – a haemorrhage or infarction.
Both are types of stroke that interrupt blood flow to the brain. While they sound alarming, many small warning signs and risk factors appear much earlier. Recognising them and checking your health regularly can make a major difference. Elfcare’s approach focuses on prevention and early insight, helping you track subtle changes in blood pressure, circulation, and vessel health before they lead to complications.
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What is a brain haemorrhage or infarction?
A brain haemorrhage occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, causing bleeding within or around brain tissue. The leaked blood creates pressure that damages surrounding cells.
A brain infarction, also called an ischemic stroke, happens when a blood vessel is blocked, cutting off oxygen and nutrients to part of the brain. This blockage is usually caused by a blood clot or buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) in the arteries.
Both conditions affect how the brain sends signals that control movement, speech, vision, and balance. Understanding your vascular health and acting early helps protect brain function and long-term wellbeing.
Symptoms of a brain haemorrhage or infarction
Symptoms often appear suddenly, but subtle early signs can sometimes occur. Common warning symptoms include:
Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body
Difficulty speaking or understanding words
Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes
Severe headache without a clear cause
Dizziness, loss of balance, or confusion
Facial drooping or asymmetry
Sometimes, mini-strokes (also called transient ischemic attacks or TIAs) occur first. They last only minutes but are strong warning signs. That’s why testing and regular monitoring of heart and blood health are essential.
What causes a brain haemorrhage or infarction?
Brain haemorrhage and infarction share many underlying risk factors, especially those that affect blood flow and vessel strength.
Key causes include:
High blood pressure: The most common risk factor; weakens vessel walls over time.
Atherosclerosis: Build-up of cholesterol and plaque narrows arteries.
Blood clots: Often linked to irregular heart rhythm (atrial fibrillation) or poor circulation.
Head injury: Can trigger bleeding inside or around the brain.
Uncontrolled diabetes: Damages small vessels and increases clot risk.
Lifestyle factors: Smoking, heavy alcohol use, poor diet, or physical inactivity increase risk.
Understanding and controlling these risk factors early can significantly lower the chance of stroke-related complications.
How do you detect a brain haemorrhage or infarction?
Diagnosis involves a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging (CT or MRI), and blood tests to identify underlying risk markers.
Important biomarkers and health indicators include:
Blood pressure: High readings strain blood vessels.
Lipid profile: High LDL or triglycerides increase plaque formation.
Blood sugar (glucose and HbA1c): High levels damage vessel walls.
Clotting profile: Abnormal clotting increases risk of infarction or bleeding.
Homocysteine: Elevated levels can harm blood vessel lining.
Kidney and liver function: Reflect how well the body regulates pressure and fluid balance.
Elfcare’s comprehensive health checks measure these biomarkers, providing an early look into your cardiovascular and brain health.
Elfcare’s blood tests track heart, vessel, and clotting markers helping you identify imbalances long before they affect brain function.
Why early detection matters
Brain haemorrhage and infarction rarely happen without warning. Subtle blood pressure changes, cholesterol spikes, or circulation issues often appear first. By detecting these early, you can make small but powerful changes like managing diet, staying active, and monitoring blood pressure.
Early detection means early action: maintaining vessel health, preventing clots, and supporting overall brain oxygenation. Testing regularly helps you understand your risk and stay one step ahead of potential events.
Elfcare’s blood tests provide clear, preventive insights into the biomarkers linked to vascular and brain health. By monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol, sugar balance, and clotting markers, you can identify risks early and discuss personalised preventive steps with your healthcare provider.
Curious about your vascular and brain health? Elfcare’s blood tests help you detect early imbalances and stay proactive about your long-term wellbeing.
We focus on prevention, awareness, and empowerment. With early insights, you can stay ahead of possible imbalances and maintain energy, focus, and overall wellbeing.
How Elfcare can help
Summary
A brain haemorrhage or infarction is often sudden, but the factors leading to it build quietly over time. Regular testing and awareness of your blood and vessel health can help you act early and confidently.
When you understand your body, you make choices that protect your comfort, mobility, and health for years to come.
Last updated: 15 Dec. 2025
Reviewed by: Specialist doctors from the quality team at Elfcare
FAQs
What is a brain haemorrhage or infarction?
A brain haemorrhage or infarction occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is disrupted. A haemorrhage involves bleeding in the brain, while an infarction is caused by a blocked blood vessel. Both are types of stroke and require urgent medical care.
What are the most common symptoms of a brain haemorrhage or infarction?
Symptoms may include sudden weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking, vision problems, or severe headache. Some people experience loss of balance, confusion, or loss of consciousness. Symptoms often appear suddenly and can vary depending on the affected area.
How is a brain haemorrhage or infarction diagnosed?
Diagnosis is made through emergency medical assessment and brain imaging such as CT or MRI scans. Doctors also review symptoms, medical history, and vital signs. Rapid diagnosis is crucial to guide treatment and reduce brain damage.
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the stroke. Options may include medications, surgery, and rehabilitation therapies. Early treatment and ongoing recovery care can significantly improve outcomes and quality of life.