Intracerebral haemorrhage

Abstract

Intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) is a dramatic condition caused by the rupture of a cerebral vessel and the entry of blood into the brain parenchyma. ICH is a major contributor to stroke-related mortality and dependency: only half of patients survive for 1 year after ICH, and patients who survive have sequelae that affect their quality of life. The incidence of ICH has increased in the past few decades with shifts in the underlying vessel disease over time as vascular prevention has improved and use of antithrombotic agents has increased. The pathophysiology of ICH is complex and encompasses mechanical mass effect, haematoma expansion and secondary injury. Identifying the causes of ICH and predicting the vital and functional outcome of patients and their long-term vascular risk have improved in the past decade; however, no specific treatment is available for ICH. ICH remains a medical emergency, with prevention of haematoma expansion as the key therapeutic target. After discharge, secondary prevention and management of vascular risk factors in patients remains challenging and is based on an individual benefit-risk balance evaluation.