2024-08-07 20:22:23
In 2024, the mortality rate from brain hemorrhage is as high as 20.77%. Young working-age individuals are also affected. Check the causes – prevention – warning signs of stroke. Urgent hospital treatment reduces disability and death.
- According to a report from the Ministry of Public Health in 2023, the mortality rate from brain hemorrhage was 21.13%, and in 2024, preliminary data shows a figure as high as 20.77%.
- Brain hemorrhage can occur in younger working-age individuals, not just in the elderly, but the causes may vary by age group.
- Brain hemorrhage in young people involves different causes, symptoms, treatments, prevention measures, and warning signs of strokes that require immediate hospital transfer to reduce disability and mortality.
Many might think that brain hemorrhage occurs only in the elderly, but it can happen in any age group, although the causes may vary.
Stroke can mostly occur in the elderly, but among those under 50, it can be seen up to 15%. If it occurs in patients younger than 40 years, it is classified as stroke in the young.
Stroke is a condition where the brain loses blood supply due to narrowed, blocked blood vessels, or ruptured blood vessels, resulting in destruction of brain tissue and abnormal functioning of some or all parts of the brain. Symptoms often appear suddenly, and it usually occurs in older individuals.
According to a report from the Ministry of Public Health in 2023, the mortality rate from brain hemorrhage was 21.13%, and in 2024, preliminary figures show up to 20.77%.
Causes of brain hemorrhage in young working-age individuals
Dr. Amphon Benjapolpitak, Director-General of the Department of Medical Services, stated that the causes found in young patients are often due to aneurysm or vascular abnormalities. In this group, patients usually show no abnormal symptoms until a blood vessel ruptures, leading to neurological symptoms.
Additionally, patients with uncontrolled long-term hypertension cause the blood vessel walls to erode and eventually rupture, leading to bleeding in the brain, which can cause paralysis or death.
Symptoms of bleeding in the brain
Symptoms of brain bleeding, according to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thanin Vejjaphun, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Medical Services, indicate that patients typically experience sudden severe headaches, unlike any they have previously experienced.
Accompanied by neurological abnormalities such as altered consciousness, slurred speech, and weakness on one side of the body.
Neurological symptoms depend on the location of the bleeding, and if there is a small amount of bleeding in the brain, the patient may feel dizzy and have difficulty maintaining balance, such as slurred speech, which might resemble intoxication, as this part of the brain is responsible for coordinating smooth movements.
When patients show these symptoms, they should be taken to the nearest hospital immediately for urgent diagnosis and treatment.
Treating brain hemorrhage
Dr. Tasanee Tantarithsang, Deputy Director of Medical Services, stated that the diagnostic and treatment protocol involves taking the patient’s history, conducting a physical examination, and performing brain imaging to confirm the presence and location of the bleeding to plan further treatment, as the mortality rate in patients with brain bleeding is relatively high.
If patients can arrive at a hospital quickly and receive prompt diagnosis and treatment, they can significantly reduce the risk of disability and death.
Treatment will depend on the location and amount of bleeding. If there is a small amount of bleeding, supportive treatment and controlling blood pressure to appropriate levels may suffice. However, if there is significant bleeding, surgery may be needed to drain the blood and relieve pressure in the skull.
If the cause of the bleeding is due to vascular abnormalities or aneurysms, doctors will consider performing a catheterization procedure to close off the abnormal blood vessel pathway or may need to use several methods together.
“Preventive measures against brain hemorrhage are paramount. Patients with hypertension should regularly monitor and control their blood pressure to maintain manageable levels at all times to reduce the risk of brain bleeding. When experiencing symptoms suggestive of stroke, such as difficulty speaking, facial drooping, sudden weakness in limbs, or sudden dizziness, they should go to the hospital as quickly as possible. The quicker they seek medical attention, the higher the chance of survival and avoiding paralysis,” Dr. Tasanee said.
However, Rama 9 Hospital has identified factors that contribute to stroke in young individuals, indicating that factors causing fat accumulation and vascular damage can lead to stroke in all age groups. In young individuals who poorly manage these underlying conditions, they may experience fat accumulation and are at risk for stroke.
Emerging Trends in Stroke Awareness and Prevention Among Young Adults
The statistics revealed by the Ministry of Public Health in Thailand indicate a concerning trend: stroke-related deaths are alarmingly high, reaching 20.77% in 2024, particularly affecting younger individuals in the workforce. As healthcare professionals continue to uncover the diverse causes of stroke across various age groups, it is crucial to reassess preventive measures and public awareness campaigns to address this growing issue.
Increased Focus on Early Detection
With the recognition that stroke can affect individuals under 50 — with an occurrence rate of 15% among this demographic — the importance of early diagnosis cannot be overstated. Health initiatives are likely to increase focus on educating the public about the signs of stroke, emphasizing the necessity of immediate medical attention at the first sign of symptoms such as sudden headaches, impaired speech, or weakness in limbs.
Innovative Research and Treatment Methods
As technology advances, novel treatment techniques for managing strokes are emerging. Enhanced imaging techniques and minimally invasive surgical options are being developed, allowing for faster and more effective intervention. Research into the genetic and environmental factors contributing to strokes in younger populations may lead to targeted therapies that could significantly reduce the risk and improve outcomes.
Integrated Health Campaigns
Future public health campaigns are expected to be more integrative, focusing not only on physical health but also addressing lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and mental health. Initiatives aimed at reducing hypertension, a leading cause of strokes, will likely incorporate holistic strategies that involve community support, education, and accessibility to healthcare resources.
Technological Advancements in Monitoring
Wearable technology is poised to play a pivotal role in monitoring health statistics in real-time, providing individuals with vital information about their cardiovascular health. Such devices can help in managing hypertension and detecting irregularities that may lead to strokes. As more people adopt these technologies, the potential for preventing strokes through continuous health monitoring increases exponentially.
Tailored Preventive Healthcare
The healthcare sector is moving towards personalized medicine, which could entail developing customized health plans based on individual risk factors. This trend may lead to more efficient prevention strategies, particularly for younger individuals who may be genetically predisposed to stroke due to lifestyle factors or familial history. Tackling the social determinants of health will become integral to such personalized approaches.