Recovery Insights After 60cc Brain Hemorrhage: A Patient's Journey

Recovery status after a 60cc intracerebral hemorrhage?

Hello Doctor, my mother experienced a hemorrhagic stroke in mid-December with a volume of 60cc (right hemisphere).
At that time, the doctor assessed that my mother, being 72 years old, might not have a good postoperative condition and recommended against surgery.
However, two weeks later, she gradually became more alert but is left-side paralyzed.
Currently, my mother can open her eyes during the day and occasionally follows simple commands such as: shake hands, raise hands, use a towel to wipe her face, and comb her hair with her hand.
She also makes some sounds and cries, but most of the time, she just stares blankly with her eyes open, does not recognize people, and is being fed through a nasogastric tube.
She has started simple rehabilitation and transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy.
Recently, another brain scan showed that one-third of the blood clot has been absorbed.
I would like to ask the doctor if the blood clot could be completely absorbed? How long might that take? Once fully absorbed, what is the best possible recovery outcome? Will she be able to have simple conversations or eat? Are there similar cases that I can refer to? There seems to be limited information online regarding 60cc hemorrhages.
Since my mother's recovery is slow, I hope to find other examples for some hope...
Thank you, Doctor.

Nìmíng, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/01/20

Dr. Wu Mukhan reply Neurology

Hello, the blood clot from a cerebral hemorrhage can generally be completely absorbed, usually taking from one month to several months.
If the cerebral hemorrhage has caused brain damage, it typically results in residual symptoms.
Different locations of damage will lead to different symptoms, so each patient's situation may not be the same, even if the volume of bleeding is identical.
Older patients usually have a slower recovery, so it is important to provide them with encouragement and patience.
Assisting them in continuing rehabilitation can potentially improve their speech or swallowing functions.
Wishing your loved one a speedy recovery, and best of luck!

Reply Date: 2024/01/20

More Info

Recovery from a 60cc brain hemorrhage, especially in an elderly patient, can be a complex and gradual process. Your mother’s situation, following a hemorrhagic stroke, involves several factors that can influence her recovery trajectory.
Firstly, it is important to understand that brain hemorrhages can lead to various degrees of brain injury, depending on the location and extent of the bleeding. In your mother's case, the right hemisphere of the brain was affected, which can lead to left-sided weakness or paralysis, as you have observed. The fact that she is beginning to respond to simple commands and can perform basic actions like wiping her face or combing her hair is a positive sign. This indicates that there is some level of cognitive function and motor response, which is crucial for rehabilitation.

Regarding the absorption of the hematoma (the blood clot), it is indeed possible for the body to absorb the clot completely over time. The absorption process can vary significantly among individuals, but generally, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. In many cases, patients may see a reduction in the size of the hematoma within the first month, as you have noted with the absorption of one-third of the clot. Continuous monitoring through imaging studies will provide insights into the progress of absorption.

As for the potential for recovery, it is essential to set realistic expectations. While some patients may regain significant function, others may experience lasting effects. Factors that can influence recovery include the patient's age, overall health, the extent of the brain injury, and the quality of rehabilitation services received. Given your mother's age (72 years), recovery may be slower compared to younger patients. However, with consistent rehabilitation efforts, there is potential for improvement in her ability to communicate and possibly regain some independence in eating and daily activities.

In terms of communication, as her cognitive function improves, she may be able to engage in simple conversations. Speech therapy can be beneficial in this regard, helping her to regain her ability to speak and understand language. Similarly, occupational therapy can assist her in improving her ability to perform daily tasks, including eating.

There are indeed many cases of patients recovering from similar situations, although specific examples may not always be readily available online. Each recovery journey is unique, and while some patients may regain full function, others may have varying degrees of long-term effects. It is essential to remain hopeful and supportive during this process.
Encouragement and patience from family members can significantly impact a patient's recovery. Engaging her in rehabilitation activities, even if they seem minimal, can foster a sense of accomplishment and motivation.
In summary, while the road to recovery from a 60cc brain hemorrhage can be challenging, it is possible for your mother to experience improvements over time. Continuous rehabilitation, medical support, and family encouragement will play vital roles in her recovery journey. Keep in close contact with her healthcare team to monitor her progress and adjust her treatment plan as necessary. Wishing your mother a steady recovery and improvement in her condition.

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