The medication selected depends on the location, type, and severity of the stroke. New research suggests not all the damage done by some strokes is the result of the loss of blood and oxygen. Rather, some of the damage may be due to chemical reactions occuring within the injured brain tissue. During a stroke, brain cells produce an excess of neurotransmitters which are used for sending signals from one brain to another. The goal for treating a hemorrhagic stroke is to correct the cause of the hemorrhage and protect the brain from further damage.
Hemorrhage causes blood to collect in the brain.
Increased pressure also can decrease circulation to the injured areas of the brain. Treatment is complex and must be individualized. Part of treatment may involve limiting fluids and giving medications to minimize temporary swelling of brain tissue. Occasionally surgery is needed to drain blood clots from within the area of damaged brain tissue. If an aneurysm or blood vessel malformation is detected, surgery may be needed to prevent further bleeding into the brain.