Treatment:

Intracerebral hemorrhage is a severe condition that requires prompt medical attention. It can develop quickly into a life-threatening situation.

Surgery may be needed to remove the hematoma, especially if there is a hematoma in the base of the brain (cerebellum). If bleeding blocks the flow of spinal fluid, a shunt or drain in the brain may be recommended in some cases.

Medicines used may include:

• Anticonvulsants to control seizures
• Corticosteroids or diuretics to reduce swelling
• Medications to control blood pressure
• Painkillers

Other treatments may be recommended, depending on your overall health and symptoms.

Most patients will be admitted to a hospital's intensive care unit (ICU) for close monitoring.

Expectations (prognosis):

How well a person does depends on the size and location of the bleed. Recovery can occur completely, or there may be some level of permanent loss of brain function.

Medications, surgery, and other treatments can have severe side effects. Death can occur rapidly despite prompt medical attention.

Complications:

• Permanent loss of any brain function, which may include:
  • Loss of cognitive function
  • Loss of movement of arm(s) or leg(s)
  • Inability to eat or swallow
  • Inability to speak
  • Vision loss
• Seizures
• Side effects of medications used to treat the disorder
• Surgery complications

Calling your health care provider:

Any type of intracerebral hemorrhage, or "brain attack," is a medical emergency.

Go to the emergency room or call 911 if other symptoms of deep intracerebral hemorrhage develop. Emergency symptoms include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Loss of ability to move or swallow
• Loss of consciousness
• Seizures
• Sudden loss of sensations
• Sudden change in mental state

Call your health care provider if severe headache with nausea, vomiting, decreased vision, numbness, or tingling occurs.