Moments occur that remind us to look at our own lives with gratitude. When a young child passes suddenly it not only breaks hearts. The occurrence prompts us to be thankful for our own health, and the health of the people we love. Although bodies may malfunction, advancements in modern medicine can typically detect and treat those malfunctions, oftentimes reversing negative effects.

However, this isn’t always the case, as in the story of Rai-Lèyah Parveen Saddique. She spontaneously collapsed at school one afternoon. While doctors were unable to save her, they believed her cause of death to be a brain hemorrhage.

Wildly Popular and Loved

Rai-Lèyah Parveen Saddique was a young girl, aged 10. She lived in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, a city in England. Rai-Lèyah was the oldest of three siblings and was well-known in school for her popularity amongst peers. A spokesperson for the family was quoted saying, ‘She was a hard-working girl who was loved by family and friends.’

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A Life Lost Too Soon

She went to school just like any average day. However, in the afternoon she suddenly collapsed and was rushed to Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield. Appearing to be otherwise “healthy and fit” doctors struggled to detect and treat the brain hemorrhage. She was then transferred to Leeds General Infirmary. Unfortunately, they were unable to save her, and she died the following Monday morning, November 14th.

Cause of Death: Brain Hemorrhage

Rai-Lèyah’s death was announced on Facebook by the Muslim funeral service Janaza. Hundreds of community members and family expressed their condolences. One family member said of the girl’s unexpected passing, “Heartbreaking – she was a little beauty, little angel. May Allah give her the highest rank in Jannah we will miss u lots love u.” Because of her popularity, the school had closed on the day of her funeral as peers, friends, and teachers mourned her loss.

It is reported that several hundred people attended her funeral at the Jamia Masjid Swafia Mosque. Later she was laid to rest after her burial service at Wakefield Cemetery on Sugar Lane. Doctors now suspect the cause of death was a brain hemorrhage.  

Tragedy as 10-year-old Rai-Lèyah Parveen Saddique collapses 'with brain haemorrhage' https://t.co/OS7QmW3V17

— Daily Mail U.K. (@DailyMailUK) November 15, 2022

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What is a Brain Hemorrhage

A brain hemorrhage is also referred to as a brain bleed or intracranial hemorrhage. According to Fairview.org, this occurs “in any part of the brain or between the brain and the skull.” Internal bleeding can cause damage to brain tissue, or in other words, “brain damage”. In severe cases such as Rai-Lèyah’s the damage is irreversible and often results in death. Estimates show that up to 1 in 5 children can suffer from this ailment with no apparent cause.

What are the Symptoms and Causes

Several conditions typically can lead to a brain hemorrhage although some do not apply in children, such as the consumption of illicit drugs. Some of the possible likely causes in children can include head trauma or injury, blood disorders or high blood pressure, and sickle cell disease. Liver disease, brain tumors, or an aneurysm are also common causes of a brain hemorrhage.

There is a long list of symptoms, that vary from person to person. Because a brain hemorrhage is classified as a type of stroke, symptoms are very similar to those of a stroke. These include tingling, weakness, numbness, or paralysis of the face, arm, or leg and often are only felt on one side of the body. Other common symptoms include severe headaches, that come on suddenly. Blurred vision, loss of balance, lethargy, and possible unconsciousness. A brain hemorrhage can also be accompanied by confusion, difficulty speaking or swallowing, and seizures.

Detection and Treatment

Testing for a brain hemorrhage can be conducted in several ways. The most well-known are blood tests or a CT/MRI. Other possible testing may include Angiography and transcranial Doppler testing. These scans take pictures of blood vessels in the brain. In less severe cases treatment options include observation and medication.

However, in more severe cases surgery is required. The aftereffects can range from nothing at all after treatment, to long-term neurological disorders such as trouble with learning, motor skill function, or epilepsy. Some patients may also require further medical attention including occupational or physical therapy. While many of us are lucky to go most of our lives without unexpected health scares, this isn’t always the case.

A brain hemorrhage can cause several life-altering effects and it’s important to check in with PCPs (primary care providers) often to ensure a clean bill of health. In addition, checking in right after a head trauma or the observation that your child isn’t as responsive or active as they typically are, might just save their lives.

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