Hemorrhagic Transformation of Ischemic Stroke: Causes, Symptoms

Hemorrhagic transformation is a life-threatening complication of acute ischemic stroke (blockage of the arteries). Following an ischemic stroke, the affected area is more likely to have hemorrhagic transformation, which is defined as bleeding inside the brain in the exact location of the previous ischemic stroke. This is precisely the meaning of hemorrhagic transformation.

According to studies, individuals who have previously experienced an ischemic stroke are likely to experience a hemorrhagic transition of 10-40%.

Causes / Risk Factors of Hemorrhagic Transformation in Ischemic Stroke

Old Age: 75 or older, which increases the risk of stroke. Older people are more vulnerable to ischemic stroke.
High Blood Pressure: Long-term high blood pressure is the most common risk factor of the hemorrhage. Due to uncontrolled high blood pressure, blood vessels will rupture and result in sudden intracerebral hemorrhage.
Blood Vessels Abnormalities: Thisis a rare, complex malformation of abnormal blood vessels connecting arteries and veins in the brain. For example, a tear in a blood vessel can cause brain bleeding.
Diabetes: high blood sugar causes tiny ruptures in the blood vessels, which leads to the significant rupture of the blood vessels of the brain that may lead to an intracerebral hemorrhage.
Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM): It is an abnormality in the cerebral blood vessels. Bleeding into the subarachnoid space may occur if these arteries weaken or burst. Subarachnoid hemorrhage can occasionally result from head trauma or injury.
Vascular Malformation: The abnormal connection of the arteries and veins can damage blood vessels, leading to the weakening of the blood vessels and causing lobar hemorrhages.

Symptoms of Hemorrhagic Transformation

Unexplained sudden headache
Vomiting is also one of the initial signs
A fit or seizure occurs immediately in a lobar hemorrhage
Coma
Loss of consciousness
Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
Loss of balance and coordination
Vision problem
Speech problem

How to Diagnose Hemorrhagic Transformation

CT (Computed Tomography) Scan: This is the first investigation done to detect bleeding in the brain.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) Scan or MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiography): This is performed to identify an aneurysm; however, the most accurate method of doing so is cerebral angiography. As soon as possible, cerebral angiography is performed to confirm the diagnosis and locate the aneurysm or arteriovenous malformation that is causing the bleeding.
EEG (Electroencephalography): Continuous EEG can help identify nonconvulsive status epilepticus or subclinical seizures, especially in patients with poor-grade subarachnoid hemorrhage who deteriorate neurologically or do not get better.
Lumbar Puncture: This investigation has been done to detect infection or blood stains in the brain and spinal fluid.