Hemorrhagic Posterior Cerebral Artery Strokes

Last updated: February 8, 2026Reviewed date: February 8, 2026Reading time: 9 min read
Patient Tools

Read, save, and share this guide

Use these quick tools to make this medical article easier to read, print, save, or share with a family member.

Patient Mode

Understand this article easily

Switch between simple English and easy Bangla patient notes. This is for education and does not replace a doctor consultation.

Hemorrhagic posterior cerebral artery strokes, also known as PCA strokes, occur when there is bleeding in the posterior cerebral artery, a blood vessel in the brain. These strokes can be severe and require prompt medical attention. In this article, we will break down the various...

For severe symptoms, danger signs, pregnancy, child illness, or sudden worsening, seek urgent medical care.

বাংলা রোগী নোট এখনো যোগ করা হয়নি। পোস্ট এডিটরে “RX Bangla Patient Mode” বক্স থেকে সহজ বাংলা সারাংশ যোগ করুন।

এই তথ্য শিক্ষা ও সচেতনতার জন্য। এটি ডাক্তারি পরীক্ষা, রোগ নির্ণয় বা প্রেসক্রিপশনের বিকল্প নয়।

Article Summary

Hemorrhagic posterior cerebral artery strokes, also known as PCA strokes, occur when there is bleeding in the posterior cerebral artery, a blood vessel in the brain. These strokes can be severe and require prompt medical attention. In this article, we will break down the various aspects of PCA strokes, using simple and plain language to make the information accessible and understandable. Types of Hemorrhagic Posterior...

Key Takeaways

  • This article explains Causes of Hemorrhagic Posterior Cerebral Artery Strokes: in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Symptoms of Hemorrhagic Posterior Cerebral Artery Strokes: in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Diagnostic Tests for Hemorrhagic Posterior Cerebral Artery Strokes: in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Treatments for Hemorrhagic Posterior Cerebral Artery Strokes: in simple medical language.
Educational health guideWritten for patient understanding and clinical awareness.
Reviewed content workflowUse writer and reviewer profiles for stronger trust.
Emergency safety firstUrgent warning signs are highlighted below.

Seek urgent medical care if you notice

These warning signs are general safety guidance. Local emergency numbers and clinical judgment should always come first.

  • Chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting, or sudden severe weakness.
  • Sudden face drooping, arm weakness, speech trouble, confusion, or vision change.
  • A rapidly worsening condition or symptoms that feel life-threatening.
1

Emergency now

Use emergency care for severe, sudden, rapidly worsening, or life-threatening symptoms.

2

See a doctor

Book a professional medical evaluation if symptoms persist, worsen, recur often, affect daily activities, or occur in a high-risk patient.

3

Learn safely

Use this article to understand possible causes, tests, treatment options, prevention, and questions to ask your clinician.

Hemorrhagic posterior cerebral artery strokes, also known as PCA strokes, occur when there is bleeding in the posterior cerebral artery, a blood vessel in the brain. These strokes can be severe and require prompt medical attention. In this article, we will break down the various aspects of PCA strokes, using simple and plain language to make the information accessible and understandable.

Types of Hemorrhagic Posterior Cerebral Artery Strokes:

  1. Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ICH): This type of PCA stroke happens when a blood vessel inside the brain ruptures, causing bleeding within the brain tissue itself.
  2. Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH): In SAH, the bleeding occurs in the space between the brain and the thin membrane covering it, called the arachnoid membrane.

Causes of Hemorrhagic Posterior Cerebral Artery Strokes:

  1. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Elevated blood pressure can weaken blood vessel walls, increasing the risk of rupture.
  2. Aneurysm: A weak spot in a blood vessel that can balloon out and burst, leading to bleeding.
  3. Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM): An abnormal tangle of blood vessels that can rupture and cause bleeding.
  4. Head Trauma: Severe head injuries can damage blood vessels and result in bleeding.
  5. Blood-Thinning Medications: Certain medications like aspirin or anticoagulants can increase the likelihood of bleeding.
  6. Amyloid Angiopathy: A condition where proteins build up in blood vessel walls, making them fragile.
  7. Cocaine or Amphetamine Use: These drugs can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of a stroke.
  8. Liver Disease: Liver disorders can affect blood clotting, making bleeding more likely.
  9. Brain Tumors: Tumors can put pressure on blood vessels and lead to bleeding.
  10. Smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels and raises the risk of stroke.
  11. Alcohol Abuse: Excessive alcohol consumption can increase blood pressure and weaken blood vessels.
  12. Age: The risk of PCA stroke increases with age, particularly after 55.
  13. Genetics: Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to weaker blood vessels.
  14. Blood Disorders: Conditions like hemophilia can impair clotting and increase bleeding risk.
  15. Infections: Certain infections, such as endocarditis, can cause blood vessel infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation.
  16. Illicit Drug Use: The use of illegal drugs like heroin can lead to stroke.
  17. Brain Aneurysm: A bulging blood vessel in the brain that can rupture and cause bleeding.
  18. Vascular Malformations: Abnormalities in blood vessel structure that increase the risk of bleeding.
  19. Coagulation Disorders: Conditions that affect blood clotting can make bleeding more likely.
  20. Hypertensive Crisis: Extremely high blood pressure can cause blood vessels to rupture.

Symptoms of Hemorrhagic Posterior Cerebral Artery Strokes:

  1. Sudden, severe pain in the head or upper neck. সহজ বাংলা: মাথাব্যথা।" data-rx-term="headache" data-rx-definition="Headache means pain in the head or upper neck. সহজ বাংলা: মাথাব্যথা।">headache: Often described as the “worst headache of my life.”
  2. Nausea and vomiting: Due to increased intracranial pressure.
  3. Weakness or numbness: Typically on one side of the body.
  4. Vision changes: Blurry or double vision, or even loss of vision.
  5. Difficulty speaking: Slurred speech or trouble finding words.
  6. Loss of coordination: Trouble walking or maintaining balance.
  7. Confusion: Disorientation and difficulty understanding surroundings.
  8. Seizures: Uncontrolled muscle movements or loss of consciousness.
  9. Dizziness: A feeling of spinning or lightheadedness.
  10. Neck stiffness: Pain and stiffness in the neck.
  11. Sensitivity to light: Photophobia or discomfort in bright light.
  12. Sensory changes: Tingling or numbness in the face or extremities.
  13. Altered consciousness: From mild confusion to coma.
  14. Loss of consciousness: Fainting or passing out.
  15. Difficulty swallowing: Trouble with eating or drinking.
  16. Mood changes: Sudden mood swings or personality changes.
  17. Memory problems: Difficulty recalling recent events.
  18. Fatigue: Extreme tiredness or lack of energy.
  19. Breathing difficulties: Shortness of breath or irregular breathing.
  20. Hallucinations: Seeing or hearing things that aren’t there.

Diagnostic Tests for Hemorrhagic Posterior Cerebral Artery Strokes:

  1. CT scan: A specialized X-ray that can identify bleeding in the brain.
  2. MRI scan: Uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the brain.
  3. Cerebral Angiography: Involves injecting contrast dye into blood vessels to visualize abnormalities.
  4. Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap): Collects cerebrospinal fluid to check for bleeding.
  5. Blood Tests: Assess clotting factors and check for underlying conditions.
  6. Electroencephalogram (EEG): Measures brain electrical activity.
  7. Glasgow Coma Scale: Evaluates a patient’s level of consciousness.
  8. Neurological Examination: Assesses reflexes, strength, and coordination.
  9. Carotid Ultrasound: Images blood flow in the neck arteries.
  10. Transcranial Doppler (TCD): Measures blood flow in brain vessels.
  11. Echocardiogram: Looks for heart-related causes of stroke.
  12. Holter Monitor: Records heart rhythm over an extended period.
  13. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE): Assesses cognitive function.
  14. Swallowing Study: Evaluates the ability to swallow safely.
  15. Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): Monitors heart rhythm.
  16. Blood Pressure Monitoring: To check for hypertension.
  17. Chest X-ray: Rules out other potential causes of symptoms.
  18. Coagulation Profile: Measures blood clotting factors.
  19. PET scan: Provides functional images of brain activity.
  20. Heparin-Induced platelet count, which can increase bleeding risk. সহজ বাংলা: প্লাটিলেট কম।" data-rx-term="thrombocytopenia" data-rx-definition="Thrombocytopenia means low platelet count, which can increase bleeding risk. সহজ বাংলা: প্লাটিলেট কম।">Thrombocytopenia (HIT) Test: Checks for a rare reaction to heparin medication.

Treatments for Hemorrhagic Posterior Cerebral Artery Strokes:

  1. Emergency Medical Care: Immediate hospitalization for evaluation and treatment.
  2. Blood Pressure Management: Medications to lower high blood pressure.
  3. Neurosurgery: Surgical intervention to repair bleeding blood vessels.
  4. Aneurysm Clipping: A procedure to secure a ruptured aneurysm.
  5. Coiling: Inserting a coil into an aneurysm to block blood flow.
  6. AVM Embolization: Blocking abnormal blood vessels using tiny particles.
  7. Craniotomy: Surgical removal of blood clots or hematoma.
  8. Ventriculostomy: Draining excess cerebrospinal fluid to relieve pressure.
  9. Medications: Prescribed to manage symptoms, prevent complications, and control blood pressure.
  10. Seizure Medications: To prevent and manage seizures.
  11. Pain Relief: Medications to alleviate severe headaches.
  12. Rehabilitation: Physical, occupational, and speech therapy for recovery.
  13. Monitoring: Close observation in the intensive care unit (ICU).
  14. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance: Maintaining proper hydration and electrolyte levels.
  15. Corticosteroids: Reducing brain swelling and infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation.
  16. Anticoagulants or Antiplatelet Drugs: To prevent blood clots.
  17. Antiemetics: Medications to control nausea and vomiting.
  18. Antiepileptic Drugs: To prevent recurrent seizures.
  19. Blood Transfusions: If significant blood loss occurs.
  20. Intravenous (IV) Nutrition: Providing nutrients directly through a vein.
  21. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: Using pure oxygen to promote healing.
  22. Pain Management: Addressing discomfort with medication.
  23. Speech Therapy: To improve communication skills.
  24. Swallowing Therapy: Helping patients eat and drink safely.
  25. Physical Therapy: Restoring strength and mobility.
  26. Occupational Therapy: Regaining daily life skills.
  27. Psychological Support: Addressing emotional and mental health needs.
  28. Continuous Monitoring: Keeping a close eye on vital signs and neurological status.
  29. Family Education: Informing loved ones about the condition and treatment.
  30. Discharge Planning: Preparing for the transition from the hospital to home or a rehabilitation facility.

Drugs Used in Hemorrhagic Posterior Cerebral Artery Stroke Treatment:

  1. Blood Pressure Medications: Examples include beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and calcium channel blockers to lower blood pressure.
  2. Anti-Seizure Drugs: Medications like phenytoin or levetiracetam to prevent and manage seizures.
  3. Pain Relievers: Analgesics such as acetaminophen or opioids for headache and pain relief.
  4. Heparin: An anticoagulant used to prevent blood clots.
  5. Warfarin: Another anticoagulant to reduce the risk of clot formation.
  6. Aspirin: Sometimes prescribed to prevent further clotting.
  7. Antipsychotic Drugs: Used to manage hallucinations and severe agitation.
  8. Proton Pump Inhibitors: Medications like omeprazole to reduce stomach acid and prevent ulcers.
  9. Statins: To control cholesterol levels and reduce stroke risk.
  10. Antiemetics: Drugs like ondansetron to control nausea and vomiting.
  11. Corticosteroids: Such as dexamethasone to reduce brain swelling.
  12. Antidepressants: Addressing mood changes and depression.
  13. Anti-Anxiety Medications: To manage anxiety and restlessness.
  14. Antihypertensive Drugs: To lower high blood pressure.
  15. Anticoagulant Reversal Agents: Medications like vitamin K for warfarin reversal.
  16. Thrombolytic Agents: Enzymes like tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) used to dissolve clots.
  17. Antiplatelet Drugs: Medications like clopidogrel to reduce platelet aggregation.
  18. Intravenous Fluids: To maintain hydration and electrolyte balance.
  19. Immunoglobulins: May be used for specific immune disorders.
  20. Intravenous Nutrition: Providing essential nutrients directly into the bloodstream.

Surgical Interventions for Hemorrhagic Posterior Cerebral Artery Strokes:

  1. Aneurysm Clipping: A procedure to place a metal clip on the neck of a ruptured aneurysm to stop bleeding.
  2. Coiling: Insertion of a coil into an aneurysm to block blood flow and prevent further rupture.
  3. Craniotomy: Surgical removal of blood clots or hematomas in the brain.
  4. AVM Embolization: Blocking abnormal blood vessels in an arteriovenous malformation to prevent bleeding.
  5. Ventriculostomy: Insertion of a drainage tube into the brain’s ventricles to relieve intracranial pressure.
  6. Decompressive Craniectomy: Removal of a portion of the skull to allow brain swelling to expand.
  7. Stereotactic Radiosurgery: Precise radiation to treat AVMs or small aneurysms.
  8. Endovascular Coiling: Minimally invasive technique to seal an aneurysm with coils.
  9. Ventricular Shunt: Implanting a tube to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid and reduce pressure.
  10. Carotid Endarterectomy: Removal of plaque from the carotid artery to prevent future strokes.

Conclusion:

Hemorrhagic posterior cerebral artery strokes are serious medical emergencies that require immediate attention. Understanding the types, causes, symptoms, diagnostic tests, treatment options, drugs, and surgical interventions can help individuals and their loved ones recognize the signs and seek appropriate care promptly. If you or someone you know experiences symptoms suggestive of a stroke, such as a severe headache or sudden weakness, seek medical help immediately. Timely intervention can make a significant difference in the outcome and recovery from PCA strokes.

 

Disclaimer: Each person’s journey is unique, treatment plan, life style, food habit, hormonal condition, immune system, chronic disease condition, previous medical  history is also unique. So always seek the best advice from a qualified medical professional or health care provider before trying any treatments to ensure to find out the best plan for you. This guide is for general information and educational purposes only. If you or someone are suffering from this disease condition bookmark this website or share with someone who might find it useful! Boost your knowledge and stay ahead in your health journey. Thank you for giving your valuable time to read the article.

 

Doctor visit helper

Prepare before seeing a doctor

A simple rural-patient checklist to help you explain symptoms clearly, ask better questions, and avoid unsafe self-treatment.

Safety note: This is not a prescription or diagnosis. For severe symptoms, pregnancy danger signs, children with serious illness, chest pain, breathing difficulty, stroke-like weakness, or major injury, seek urgent care.

Which doctor may help?

Start with a registered doctor or the nearest qualified health center.

What to tell the doctor

  • Write when the problem started and how it changed.
  • Bring old prescriptions, investigation reports, and current medicines.
  • Write allergies, pregnancy status, diabetes, kidney/liver disease, and major past illnesses.
  • Bring one family member if the patient is weak, elderly, confused, or a child.

Questions to ask

  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • Which danger signs mean I should go to hospital quickly?
  • Which tests are necessary now, and which can wait?
  • How should I take medicines safely and what side effects should I watch for?
  • When should I come for follow-up?

Tests to discuss

  • Vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturation
  • Basic physical examination by a clinician
  • CBC, urine test, blood sugar, or imaging only when clinically needed

Avoid these mistakes

  • Do not use antibiotics, steroid tablets/injections, or strong painkillers without proper medical advice.
  • Do not hide pregnancy, kidney disease, ulcer, allergy, or blood thinner use.
  • Do not delay emergency care when danger signs are present.

Medicine safety and first-aid guide

This section is for patient education only. It does not replace a doctor, pharmacist, or emergency care.

Safe first steps

  • Avoid heavy lifting, sudden bending, and prolonged bed rest.
  • Use comfortable posture and gentle movement as tolerated.
  • Discuss physiotherapy, X-ray, or MRI only when clinically needed.

OTC medicine safety

  • For mild back pain, pain-relief medicine may be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist.
  • Avoid repeated painkiller use if you have kidney disease, stomach ulcer, uncontrolled blood pressure, or are taking blood thinners.

Avoid these mistakes

  • Do not start antibiotics without a proper medical decision.
  • Do not use steroid tablets or injections casually for quick relief.
  • Do not delay emergency care because of home remedies.

Get urgent help if

  • Back pain with leg weakness, numbness around private area, loss of urine/stool control, fever, cancer history, or major injury needs urgent care.
Medicine names, dose, and timing must be decided by a qualified clinician or pharmacist after checking age, pregnancy, allergy, other diseases, and current medicines.

For rural patients and family caregivers

Patient health record and symptom diary

Write your symptoms, medicines already taken, test results, and questions before visiting a doctor. This note stays on your device unless you print or copy it.

Doctor to discuss: Orthopedic / spine specialist, physical medicine doctor, or qualified clinician
Tests to discuss with doctor
  • Neurological examination for leg power, sensation, reflexes, and straight leg raise
  • X-ray only if injury, deformity, long-lasting pain, or doctor suspects bone problem
  • MRI discussion if severe nerve symptoms, weakness, bladder/bowel problem, or persistent symptoms
Questions to ask
  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • Which warning signs mean I should go to emergency care?
  • Which tests are really needed now?
  • Which medicines are safe for my age, pregnancy status, allergy, kidney/liver/stomach condition, and current medicines?
  • Is physiotherapy, posture correction, or activity modification needed?

Emergency warning signs such as chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, sudden weakness, confusion, severe dehydration, major injury, or loss of bladder/bowel control need urgent medical care. Do not wait for online information.

Safe pathway to proper treatment

Care roadmap for: Hemorrhagic Posterior Cerebral Artery Strokes

Use this simple roadmap to understand the next safe steps. It is educational and does not replace examination by a doctor.

Go to emergency care if you notice:
  • Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms
  • Breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, major injury, or severe dehydration
Doctor / service to discuss: Qualified healthcare provider; specialist depends on symptoms and examination.
  1. Step 1

    Check danger signs first

    If danger signs are present, seek emergency care and do not wait for online information.

  2. Step 2

    Record the symptom story

    Write when symptoms started, severity, medicines already taken, allergies, pregnancy status, and test results.

  3. Step 3

    Visit a qualified clinician

    A doctor, nurse, or qualified healthcare provider can examine you and decide which tests or treatment are needed.

  4. Step 4

    Do only useful tests

    Do tests after clinical assessment. Avoid unnecessary tests, random antibiotics, or repeated medicines without diagnosis.

  5. Step 5

    Follow up and return early if worse

    If symptoms worsen, new warning signs appear, or treatment is not helping, return for review quickly.

Rural patient practical tips
  • Take a written symptom diary and all previous prescriptions/test reports.
  • Do not hide medicines already taken, even herbal or over-the-counter medicines.
  • Ask which warning signs mean urgent referral to hospital.

This roadmap is for education. A real diagnosis and treatment plan requires history, examination, and clinical judgment.

RX Patient Help

Ask a health question safely

Write your symptom story. A health professional or site editor can review it before any answer is prepared. This box is not for emergency care.

Emergency first: Severe chest pain, breathing trouble, unconsciousness, stroke signs, severe injury, heavy bleeding, or rapidly worsening symptoms need urgent local medical care now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this article a replacement for a doctor?

No. It is educational content only. Patients should consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment.

When should I seek urgent care?

Seek urgent care for severe symptoms, rapidly worsening condition, breathing difficulty, severe pain, neurological changes, or any emergency warning sign.

References

Add references, clinical guidelines, textbooks, journal articles, or trusted medical sources here. You can edit this area from the RX Article Professional Blocks panel.

More from this topic
  1. Bilateral Perisylvian Polymicrogyria

    Bilateral perisylvian polymicrogyria is a brain development problem that starts before birth. In this condition, the brain area around the Sylvian fissures on both sides develops...

    March 10, 2026 • Rx Neurology (A - Z)
  2. Congenital Axonal Neuropathy with Encephalopathy

    Congenital? axonal neuropathy? with encephalopathy is a very rare inherited nerve disease that starts at birth or very soon after birth. “Congenital?” means present from birth....

    March 10, 2026 • Rx Neurology (A - Z)
  3. Congenital Absence of the Optic Chiasma

    Congenital? absence of the optic chiasma, also called congenital? achiasma, is a very rare birth problem where the normal “crossing point” of the optic nerves (the...

    March 5, 2026 • Rx Neurology (A - Z)
  4. Congenital CN VI Palsy

    Congenital? CN VI palsy means a weak or paralyzed sixth cranial nerve (also called the abducens nerve) that is present from birth. This nerve controls the...

    March 4, 2026 • Rx Neurology (A - Z)
  5. Benign Congenital Sixth Cranial Nerve Palsy

    Benign? congenital? sixth cranial nerve palsy is a problem with the sixth cranial nerve (also called the abducens nerve) that is present from birth and is...

    March 4, 2026 • Rx Neurology (A - Z)
  6. Congenital Abducens Nerve Palsy

    Congenital? abducens nerve palsy is a rare eye movement problem that is present from birth. In this condition, the sixth cranial nerve (also called the abducens...

    March 4, 2026 • Rx Neurology (A - Z)
  7. Tubulinopathies

    Tubulinopathies are a group of rare brain development disorders that happen when there is a harmful change (mutation) in one of the “tubulin” genes. Tubulin is...

    February 28, 2026 • Rx Neurology (A - Z)
  8. Complex Cortical Dysplasia with Other Brain Malformations 7 (CDCBM7)

    Complex cortical dysplasia with other brain malformations 7 (CDCBM7) is a rare brain development disorder. In this condition, the outer layer of the brain (the cerebral...

    February 28, 2026 • Rx Neurology (A - Z)
  9. Cortical Dysgenesis with Pontocerebellar Hypoplasia Due to TUBB3 Mutation

    Cortical dysgenesis with pontocerebellar hypoplasia due to TUBB3 mutation”. It can also be grouped under “complex cortical dysplasia with other brain malformations 1 (CDCBM1)” and “TUBB3-related...

    February 28, 2026 • Rx Neurology (A - Z)
  10. Lissencephaly Type 2 Without Muscular or Eye Involvement

    Lissencephaly type 2 without muscular or eye involvement is a very rare brain development problem present from birth. Doctors also call it cobblestone lissencephaly without muscular...

    February 1, 2026 • Rx Neurology (A - Z)