Treatment:

An 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:

• Anticonvulsants to control seizures
• Corticosteroids or diuretics to reduce swelling
• Painkillers

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.

Expectations (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.

Complications:

• Hemorrhagic stroke
• Permanent loss of any brain function
• Side effects of medications used to treat the disorder

Calling your health care provider:

Go to the emergency room or call 911 if there are symptoms of intracerebral hemorrhage. This is a life-threatening condition.

Emergency symptoms include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Inability to speak or swallow
• Loss of consciousness
• Paralysis of an arm, leg, or half of the body
• Seizures