What causes a blood vessel to burst in the brain?
• High blood pressure that, over time, weakens the blood vessel wall, causing it to balloon and burst • A birth defect that makes the blood vessel weak and more likely to burst Seventy percent of all strokes that are caused by a bleeding blood vessel occur in people who have high blood pressure. High blood pressure puts added stress on the blood vessel walls, which can weaken them and make them more likely to burst. High blood pressure can also speed up the build-up of fatty deposits in blood vessels throughout the body. What are the warning signs of stroke? If you experience any of the major stroke warning signs listed below, call 9-1-1. You must get to the hospital immediately. • Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg (especially on one side of the body) • Sudden nausea, fever and vomiting • Difficulty speaking or understanding words or simple sentences • Sudden blurred vision or decreased vision in one or both eyes • Difficulty swallowing • Dizziness, loss of balance or
