Hemorrhagic Stroke

A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when an artery in the brain ruptures and the leaking blood puts pressure on brain tissue, causing damage to the surrounding area. In addition, brain cells beyond the rupture will be deprived of oxygen-rich blood and may become damaged.

There are two categories of hemorrhagic stroke: intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH):

• Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) - occurs when cranial blood vessels rupture and leak into the brain tissue. ICH is most commonly caused by high-blood pressure, which causes weakening of the arteries. Symptoms of ICH include nausea, vomiting, numbness, severe headache, and loss of consciousness.
  
• Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) - occurs when blood leaks into the membrane that surrounds the brain, also known as the subarachnoid space. SAH can be caused by an aneurysm or by vascular malformations within the brain. Symptoms of SAH include nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, severe headache, and loss of consciousness.

PPA and Hemorrhagic Stroke

Hemorrhagic stroke has been linked to the use of over-the-counter cold medications and weight loss drugs containing phenylpropanolamine (PPA). A study performed by researchers from Yale University School of Medicine confirmed an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke in women who took OTC drugs containing PPA.

As a result of this research, the FDA issued a public advisory, warning consumers to discontinue use of PPA-containing products. In addition, the FDA asked drug manufacturers to discontinue the marketing and sales of over-the-counter medications that contain PPA.