 Health Guide Drug Guide Images Intracerebral hemorrhageDefinitionAn intracerebral hemorrhage is bleeding in the brain caused by the breaking (rupture) of a blood vessel in the head. See also: Hemorrhagic stroke Alternative NamesIntracranial hemorrhage; Hemorrhage - intracerebral; Hypertensive hemorrhage; Hemorrhagic cerebrovascular disease CausesInternal bleeding can occur in any part of the brain. Blood may build up in the brain tissues, or in the space between the brain and the membranes that cover it. The bleeding may only be in one hemisphere (lobar intracerebral hemorrhage). Or it may occur in other brain structures, such as the thalamus, basal ganglia, pons, or cerebellum (deep intracerebral hemorrhage). An intracerebral hemorrhage can be caused by:
In some cases, no cause can be found. Blood irritates the brain tissues, causing swelling (cerebral edema). It can collect into a mass called a hematoma. Either swelling or a hematoma will increase pressure on nearby brain tissues and can quickly destroy them. Other factors that raise the risk of intracerebral hemorrhage include the following:
Premature infants (born earlier than 35 weeks) will sometimes have bleeding into the fluid-filled spaces (ventricles) in the brain. This type of bleed is called intra-ventricular hemorrhage (IVH). This occurs in the first day or so of life and is usually not preventable. SymptomsSymptoms vary depending on the location of the bleed and the amount of brain tissue affected. The symptoms usually develop suddenly, without warning, often during activity. They may occasionally develop in a stepwise pattern, or they may get worse over time. Symptoms include:
Exams and TestsA medical history and brain/nervous system (neurological) exam may find evidence of increased intracranial pressure or decreased brain functions. Your specific symptoms can help the health care provider tell which part of the brain is affected. Other signs include:
Tests may include:
TreatmentAn intracerebral hemorrhage is a severe condition requiring prompt medical attention. It may develop quickly into a life-threatening situation. Treatment depends on the location, cause, and amount of the hemorrhage. Surgery may be needed, especially if there is bleeding in the cerebellum. Surgery may also be done to repair or remove structures causing the bleed (such as a cerebral aneurysm or arteriovenous malformation). Medicines used may include:
You may need blood, blood products, or fluids given through a vein (IV) to make up for loss of blood and fluids. Other treatments may be recommended, depending on your condition and symptoms. Outlook (Prognosis)How well a patient does depends on the size of the hematoma and the amount of swelling. There may be a complete recovery, or some permanent loss of brain function. Death is possible and may occur quickly despite prompt medical treatment. Recovery depends on the amount of blood that bleeds into the brain, and the area where the bleeding occurs. Medications, surgery, or other treatments may have severe side effects. Possible Complications
When to Contact a Medical ProfessionalGo to the emergency room or call 911 if there are symptoms of intracerebral hemorrhage. This is a life-threatening condition. Emergency symptoms include:
PreventionTreating and controlling underlying disorders may reduce the risk of developing intracerebral hemorrhage. Get high blood pressure treated. Do not stop taking medications unless told to do so by your doctor. Conditions such as an aneurysm can often be treated before they cause bleeding in the brain. ReferencesZivin JA. Hemorrhagic cerebrovascular disease. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 432. Goldstein LB. Prevention and management of stroke. In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Zipes DP, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007: chap 58.
Review Date:
9/25/2008 Reviewed By: Daniel B. Hoch, PhD, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-
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