Symptoms of a Brain Bleed After a Head Injury

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers | September 22, 2025 | Brain Injuries

Symptoms of a Brain Bleed After a Head Injury

Hitting your head can be more serious than it looks. Even when there’s no visible wound, a brain bleed (also known as a brain hemorrhage) can develop inside the skull. This kind of brain injury doesn’t always appear right away, and symptoms can be sneaky. 

In some cases, people feel fine for hours or even days before things take a turn. Knowing the signs of a brain bleed could make a major difference in getting the medical and legal help you need.

What Is a Brain Bleed?

A brain bleed happens when blood vessels inside the skull rupture and leak. That blood builds up and puts pressure on the brain. The more pressure there is, the more likely it is to cause lasting damage. 

There are different types of brain bleeds. Some can happen between the brain and the skull, while others are deeper inside the brain tissue.

Brain bleeds can be caused by:

Since symptoms can take time to show up, especially in slow bleeds, they can be tricky to catch without medical imaging.

Common Symptoms of a Brain Bleed

Head injuries manifest differently from person to person. Some symptoms are physical, while others affect behavior or thinking.

Headaches That Get Worse

A mild headache after a bump on the head is normal. But if the pain keeps getting worse instead of fading, that’s a serious warning sign. A growing headache could mean blood is building up and there is increased pressure against the brain.

Confusion/Slurred Speech

If someone suddenly has trouble speaking clearly, answering simple questions, or remembering things, it could mean the brain is under pressure. Confusion after a fall or blow to the head should be taken seriously.

Vision Issues

Blurry or double vision or sensitivity to light can show up when there’s bleeding in the brain. These symptoms often go hand in hand with headaches or confusion.

Nausea/Vomiting

Throwing up after a head injury isn’t something to ignore. It’s a common symptom of a brain bleed, especially when paired with other signs.

Weakness or Numbness

Brain bleeds can affect specific areas, which may cause weakness or numbness on just one side of the body. That includes arms, legs, or even the face. It may look like a stroke and should be treated just as urgently.

Loss of Balance/Coordination

Trouble walking, standing, or staying steady could point to brain trauma. People might look clumsy or stumble for no clear reason, which could be a sign of deeper problems.

Seizures/Loss of Consciousness

These are some of the most serious symptoms. A person might pass out for a few seconds or longer. In other cases, a seizure could come on with no warning. Both point to pressure building inside the skull.

Delayed Symptoms

Some people walk away from a fall or accident and seem totally fine. But slow bleeds, especially in older adults or those on blood thinners, can take hours or days after a head injury before symptoms of a brain bleed show up.

That’s why these injuries are so dangerous. A person might go to bed thinking they just have a mild concussion and not wake up. Monitoring symptoms after any head trauma is critical, no matter how minor the damage might appear.

Why Brain Bleeds Can Be Overlooked

Brain bleeds don’t always look like an emergency at first. They can easily hide behind everyday symptoms like a headache or a slight queasy feeling. No one wants to think the worst after a bump on the head, but it’s important to stay alert to any changes.

Seeking prompt medical treatment is essential—even if you feel fine—not only for protecting your health but also for creating documentation that may support a personal injury claim.

Contact Mission Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation With a San Diego Brain Injury Attorney Today

If you or a loved one suffered a head injury in San Diego, CA, and are worried about symptoms of a brain bleed, you do not have to handle the aftermath alone. Mission Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help guide you.

Our experienced San Diego personal injury attorneys can help you pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. For more information, contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a San Diego brain injury lawyer.

If you’ve been injured in San Diego or Chula Vista, please call Mission Personal Injury Lawyers for a free case evaluation with a personal injury lawyer or contact us online.

We proudly serve San Diego County and throughout California.

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – San Diego Office
2515 Camino del Rio S Suite 350, San Diego, CA 92108
(619) 777-5555

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – Chula Vista Office
690 Otay Lakes Rd #130, Chula Vista, CA 91910
(619) 722-3032

We also serve the state of Texas. For legal assistance, contact our personal injury law office in El Paso today.

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – El Paso Office
201 E Main Suite 106, El Paso, Texas 79901
(915) 591-1000