Brain bleeds in the elderly can be very concerning because of the potential for long term damage. In severe cases, the damage may be so extensive that there is no hope for brain bleed recovery, leading to death.

Knowing the signs of brain bleeds in the elderly, their potential causes and paths to brain bleed recovery can help you intervene if this condition is affecting a loved one.

What Causes Brain Bleeds?

A brain bleed, also known as a hemorrhage, occurs when the blood escapes from the blood vessel and bursts into the brain tissue, causing damage to the brain. The buildup of blood in the brain causes a pressure buildup in the brain, interfering with oxygen supply.

A number of factors as to what causes brain bleeds have been identified. High blood pressure is the most common cause, with abnormally formed blood vessels being another cause, but is mostly seen in younger individuals. Other factors relating to what causes brain bleeds include:

• Bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia and sickle cell anemia
• Bleeding tumors
• Blood thinner use
• Cocaine use
• Head injury or head trauma
• Ruptured aneurysm (weakened area of a blood vessel that bursts)

The newer generation oral anticoagulants (blood thinners) are a common cause for elderly patients. Pradaxa is on such medication that is commonly prescribed to elderly adults to treat atrial fibrillation and prevent stroke. Asking your loved one if he or she has been taking Pradaxa could be a question that saves a life.

Signs and Symptoms of Brain Bleeds in the Elderly

Symptoms of a brain bleed can vary widely and are dependent on the location of the brain bleed as well as how severe the bleeding becomes. They may appear suddenly or slowly over time and produce progressively worsening symptoms.

Some common symptoms of brain bleeds in the elderly include:

• Decreased alertness, lethargy
• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech, writing or reading
• Hand tremors
• Headache, severe with sudden onset
• Impaired balance
• Loss of consciousness
• Loss of motor skills or coordination
• Nausea or vomiting
• Paralysis on one side of the body
• Seizures with no prior history
• Swallowing difficulty
• Taste abnormalities
• Tingling or numbness
• Vision changes
• Weakness in an arm or leg

Many of these symptoms overlap with other conditions but should be investigated further by a medical professional.

A brain bleed is considered a medical emergency, and if any of the above symptoms are noted, emergency help should be sought immediately.

Brain Bleed Recovery

The first part of brain bleed recovery is determining the location of the bleed. Internal bleeding can be seen with imaging such as a CT scan or an MRI. Neurological exams and eye exams will also be able to show functional deficits and physical abnormalities, such as swelling of the optic nerve.

To facilitate treatment or brain bleed recovery in the elderly will be matched with the location of the injury, the cause of the bleed, and how much damage had been done. Surgery may be used to help reduce the swelling, and pain medications may be prescribed as well. Corticosteroids, diuretics for swelling reduction and anticonvulsant medication to control seizures may also be recommended.

Ultimately, the size of the brain bleed and how much swelling resulted from the bleed determines how patients will respond to brain bleed recovery. Some patients make a full recovery and have no residual deficits in functioning. Others may suffer complications like stroke, loss of brain function and side effects from medications or other treatments. Brain bleeds in the elderly can be fatal despite swift and accurate medical treatment.

Pradaxa Use and Brain Bleed Risk

Pradaxa (dabigatran) is a common anticoagulant drug used to prevent stroke in individuals suffering from atrial fibrillation, an abnormal heartbeat. However, bleeding with the use is very common, as was demonstrated in the RE-LY study that was used to help the drug gain FDA approval.

Of those taking Pradaxa. 16.4 percent experienced bleeding including brain bleeds, gastrointestinal bleeds and severe, life-threatening bleeds. The FDA decided that the benefits outweighed the risks, but patients and families who have experienced life-changing bleeds from the medication have seriously questioned its safety.

Filing a Pradaxa Brain Bleed Lawsuit

In 2014, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals reached a massive settlement with 4,000 plaintiffs who filed claims against the company saying that its drug Pradaxa was unsafe. The overall payment averaged to $160,000 in each case, paid to plaintiffs and their loved ones.

If you or a loved one suffered a brain bleed following the use of Pradaxa, you may have a legal claim. A free case consultation with an experienced Pradaxa attorney can help you determine your legal options.