High blood pressure by itself often causes no symptoms, so many people who experience an intracranial hemorrhage experience their first symptoms during the brain attack itself. Symptoms of a stroke caused by intracranial hemorrhage may vary depending the size and location of the rupture, but they generally come on suddenly and quickly and usually include:
BE FAST
Symptoms of an intracerebral hemorrhage are summarized in the acronym B.E. F.A.S.T.
Balance: a sudden loss of balance
Eyes: a change in vision in one (or both) of your eyes
Face: numbness in the face, or the inability to smile fully
Arms: an arm or leg hanging motionless
Speech: slurred speech or talking nonsensically
Time: as in, time is brain, so take fast action and call 911; the faster you get treatment the lower the risk of permanent damage
A hemorrhagic stroke is an extreme medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. Anyone showing symptoms of a brain bleed should be seen in an emergency room as quickly as possible for diagnosis and treatment.
Reviewed by: Philip E. Stieg, PhD, MD
Last reviewed/last updated: May 2024