Life-Saving Care for Brain Hemorrhage: Jia’s Story

A brain hemorrhage is a medical emergency caused by bleeding inside or around the brain, often leading to sudden symptoms such as dizziness, vision loss, or loss of consciousness. Early diagnosis and rapid neurosurgical intervention greatly improve outcomes. The following patient story shares how advanced minimally invasive techniques, including the BrainPath device, helped Jia receive life-saving care at Pacific Neuroscience Institute and Providence Saint John’s Health Center.

A Sudden Onset of Symptoms

“It was in the afternoon around 5pm I was at work when I started to feel dizzy and disoriented, followed by vision loss and loss of consciousness. Luckily my coworkers quickly called for an ambulance. I was rushed to Providence Saint John’s Health Center emergency room and underwent brain surgery the next morning.”

These abrupt neurological symptoms—especially dizziness, visual changes, and loss of consciousness—can be warning signs of a brain hemorrhage and require emergency evaluation.

Emergency Treatment and Neurosurgical Expertise

“I had suffered a brain hemorrhage and was treated by Dr. Barkhoudarian and his team using the BrainPath device to remove the blood clot from my brain. During this surgery, the culprit arteriovenous malformation was identified and removed successfully. I woke up in the evening with my vision back.”

Dr. Garni Barkhoudarian, a neurosurgeon at the Pacific Neuroscience Institute, specializes in minimally invasive brain surgery and vascular lesions such as arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). The BrainPath device allows surgeons to access deep parts of the brain using a smaller corridor, reducing trauma to surrounding tissue and supporting faster recovery.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

“I was lucky that it was caught quickly and for the great doctors that treated me with the advanced technology to have very minimal damage. I stayed in Saint John’s for 4 days and then went through routine rehabilitation. All the doctors, nurses, therapists and staff were great to me during my stay and I am so grateful to be one of the first several patients to receive treatment with the new technology which allowed me to recover quickly. I have had follow-up MRIs and appointments and each time the visits are great. I just want to say thank you to all the staff at Saint Johns for their help in my speedy recovery.”

Timely surgical intervention and the use of minimally invasive technology often play a significant role in preserving neurological function and supporting early return to daily life after a brain hemorrhage.

Understanding Brain Hemorrhage and AVM Treatment

A brain hemorrhage can be caused by several conditions, including high blood pressure, aneurysm rupture, trauma, or vascular abnormalities like arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). When an AVM bleeds, surgery may be required to remove both the blood clot and the abnormal vessels to prevent future hemorrhage. Devices like the BrainPath system allow surgeons to access deep-seated clots with less disruption to the brain.

Get Expert Care for Brain Hemorrhage & AVM Treatment

If you or a loved one is experiencing sudden neurological symptoms or has been diagnosed with a brain hemorrhage or arteriovenous malformation, the neurosurgery specialists at the Pacific Neuroscience Institute work closely with Providence Saint John’s Health Center to provide advanced emergency care, minimally invasive surgical options, and long-term follow-up.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact the Stroke & Neurovascular Center at PNI.

FAQs About Brain Hemorrhage and AVM Treatment

What are the warning signs of a brain hemorrhage?

A brain hemorrhage often begins suddenly and may cause severe headache, dizziness, vision loss, weakness, confusion, nausea, or loss of consciousness. Symptoms can progress quickly, which is why immediate emergency evaluation is critical.

How is a brain hemorrhage treated?

Treatment depends on the cause, size, and location of the bleed. Some hemorrhages require medication and monitoring, while others may need surgery to relieve pressure or remove a blood clot. When a vascular abnormality such as an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is present, it may be treated surgically to prevent future bleeding.

What is an arteriovenous malformation (AVM)?

An AVM is an abnormal tangle of blood vessels that disrupts normal blood flow between arteries and veins. AVMs can sometimes rupture and cause a brain hemorrhage. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation, or endovascular approaches depending on the AVM’s location and characteristics.

 What is the BrainPath device used during surgery?

The BrainPath device is a minimally invasive surgical tool designed to safely access deep areas of the brain through a narrow corridor. It helps surgeons remove blood clots or reach lesions like AVMs while minimizing disruption to surrounding tissue, which can support faster recovery and reduce complications.

What is the recovery like after a brain hemorrhage?

Recovery varies by individual and by the severity and location of the bleed. Many patients require a period of hospitalization followed by rehabilitation to support strength, balance, vision, or cognitive function. Follow-up imaging, appointments, and monitoring are common to ensure stable healing and to address any long-term needs.

About Dr. Garni Barkhoudarian

Garni Barkhoudarian, MD, FAANS, is a board-certified, fellowship-trained neurosurgeon with a focus on skull base and minimally invasive endoscopic surgery. Dr. Barkhoudarian has particular interest and expertise in pituitary and parasellar tumors, brain tumors, skull-base tumors (including meningiomas, craniopharyngiomas, chordomas and schwannomas), intra-ventricular brain tumors, colloid cysts, trigeminal neuralgia, hemifacial spasm and other vascular compression syndromes.