Charity raises awareness of brain haemorrhages with festive campaign
Daily social media posts highlight symptoms ahead of Christmas to help save lives
In the lead-up to Christmas, a new charity is running a daily social media campaign to raise awareness of brain haemorrhages and their early symptoms. Kathryn’s Cause was founded earlier this year by Casey after the sudden loss of her mum to a brain haemorrhage.
Casey started the charity because she realised how little people knew about the condition. “I heard so many stories from people who thought a head injury was just a concussion only to find out later it was much more serious,” she said. “Brain haemorrhages can happen very quickly and many symptoms are often overlooked.”
The charity’s advent-style campaign shares a fact or symptom each day from December 1 through to Christmas Day. The goal is to educate people on warning signs such as severe headaches, loss of consciousness, seizures, nausea, vomiting and a stiff neck. These symptoms often resemble those of a stroke because a brain haemorrhage is a type of stroke.
Casey explained that many people do not seek medical attention after a head injury because they underestimate the risk. “It’s so important to get checked out early. Even if it’s not a brain haemorrhage, there could still be damage that needs attention. Early treatment can save lives.”
She also highlighted the importance of having someone to advocate for you when you seek emergency care. “My mum went to hospital alone and there was no one to insist on further checks like a CT scan. Having someone to push for the right tests can make all the difference.”
Since launching Kathryn’s Cause, Casey has seen strong support from the community and has connected with others affected by sudden loss. “We want to help people understand the risks and symptoms so fewer families go through what we did.”
With brain haemorrhages sometimes developing over hours or days, Casey encourages anyone with a head injury to take symptoms seriously. “If you have a headache that is worse than normal or other symptoms, don’t hesitate to get help. It could be life-saving.”
The charity plans to continue raising awareness and providing support for families affected by brain haemorrhages well beyond the festive season.