Definition of Deep intracerebral hemorrhage:

Deep intracerebral hemorrhage is a type of stroke due to bleeding within the deep structures of the brain. These structures include the thalamus, basal ganglia, pons, and cerebellum.

See also:

• Hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage
• Intracerebral hemorrhage

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Deep intracerebral hemorrhage can affect any person regardless of age, sex, or race, though it is more common in older people. It may be caused by:

• Angioma (a type of blood vessel tumor)
• Bleeding into a tumor
• Blood vessels problems (such as a cerebral aneurysm or arteriovenous malformation)
• Blood clotting problems
• Head injury (trauma)

In some cases, no cause can be found.

Bleeding in the brain irritates the brain tissues, causing swelling (cerebral edema). The blood may collect into a mass (hematoma). Both swelling and a mass of blood within the brain put increasing pressure on the brain tissues and eventually destroy them.

Risk factors for deep intracerebral hemorrhage include:

• Certain blood or bleeding disorders
  • Decreased blood platelets
  • Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
  • Hemophilia
  • Leukemia
  • Sickle cell anemia
• High blood pressure
• Liver disease
• Use of aspirin or blood thinners