Who Are Susceptible to Cerebral Hemorrhage?
Do not ignore severe headaches; stay alert to warning signs — timely household first aid is critical.
Cerebral hemorrhage, also known as intracerebral hemorrhage, is an acute cerebrovascular disease with abrupt onset, which may develop within a few minutes or several hours. Statistics show that over 3 million people suffer from cerebral hemorrhage in China every year, accompanied by high disability and mortality rates. Multiple risk factors contribute to the condition, including hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, drug abuse, obesity, sedentary lifestyles and high-stress work.
Do Not Neglect Severe Headache
Sudden severe headache is one of the most prominent pre-onset signs of cerebral hemorrhage. Most patients experience headaches that gradually intensify from mild to unbearable throbbing pain, accompanied by ptosis (drooping eyelids), stiff neck, nausea and vomiting. Immediate hospital transfer is required once these symptoms emerge. Not all cerebral hemorrhages present prodromal symptoms, yet any of the above abnormalities warrant urgent medical examination and treatment to halt disease progression and avert fatal outcomes.
Populations and Triggers Requiring Extra Vigilance
Cerebral hemorrhage predominantly affects hypertensive patients over 50 years old, with the highest incidence among those aged 60 to 70. In recent years, cases among patients under 50 have been on the rise, with little gender disparity. The disease can strike year-round, peaking in cold weather or periods of abrupt temperature shifts that cause blood pressure spikes and fluctuations.
Typical triggering events that raise blood pressure include emotional excitement, mental tension, strenuous exercise, heavy straining, coughing and defecation. It may also occur while the patient is completely at rest. High-risk physical profiles include obesity, ruddy complexions, short necks and broad shoulders; some cases carry a family genetic predisposition.
Critical Guidelines for Household First Aid
If a family member develops the above symptoms with a medical history of hypertension or arteriosclerosis, cerebral hemorrhage should be suspected. Follow these essential steps:
Stay calm, lay the patient flat immediately and dial the emergency number 120 without delay.
If the patient remains conscious, offer soothing words to stabilize mood and prevent agitation.
Loosen collars and waistbands rapidly to ensure unobstructed indoor ventilation. Keep the patient warm in cold weather and cool in hot weather.
For unconscious patients, avoid loud shouting or rough shaking. Place the patient supine with the head turned to one side to allow vomit to drain out naturally and prevent airway suffocation.
Loud snoring in a comatose patient indicates the tongue base has fallen backward to block breathing. Wrap the tongue with a handkerchief or gauze and pull it out gently.
In the event of convulsions, wrap two chopsticks with soft cloth and place them between the upper and lower teeth to prevent tongue biting.