A brain bleed, or brain hemorrhage, typically feels like a sudden, severe headache often described as the worst headache of one's life, sometimes called a "thunderclap" headache. This headache is abrupt and intensely painful, lasting from one to five minutes
. Along with the headache, people may experience nausea, vomiting, dizziness, confusion, and a stiff neck
. Other symptoms that can accompany a brain bleed include weakness, numbness, or tingling, often affecting one side of the body, facial paralysis, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, impaired vision or sensitivity to light, difficulty with balance and coordination, seizures, and loss of consciousness
. Some may also feel lightheaded or have difficulty swallowing
. The sensation can escalate as bleeding increases pressure inside the skull, potentially causing worsening headaches, drowsiness, and neurological impairments
. Because a brain bleed can rapidly become life-threatening, these symptoms require immediate medical attention. In summary, a brain bleed often feels like a sudden, extremely severe headache combined with neurological symptoms such as weakness, numbness, confusion, and vision problems, reflecting the brain's distress from bleeding and increased pressure
