Tampa General Hospital’s Neuroscience Institute offers specialized evaluation and treatment of intracerebral hemorrhages (ICHs) and other complex neurological conditions. A leading cause of stroke, an intracerebral hemorrhage refers to bleeding in the brain triggered by a ruptured blood vessel in the head. Blood vessels (veins and arteries) transport blood to and from the brain and may burst due to trauma or an abnormal pressure buildup.
What Are the Causes of Intracerebral Hemorrhage?
Several factors can damage blood vessels and potentially lead to an intracerebral hemorrhage, including:
- Trauma
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- An accumulation of proteins along artery walls (amyloid angiopathy)
- Liver disease
- Bleeding disorders such as hemophilia and sickle cell anemia
- A weakening or bulge in an artery wall (aneurysm)
- Brain tumors
- Drug use or excessive alcohol consumption
- Use of blood thinners and certain other medications
Anyone can develop an intracerebral hemorrhage, but this condition is most seen in men, adults ages 55 and older, smokers and people with a history of stroke. It’s also more prevalent among Asian and African Americans than among White Americans.
What Are Intracerebral Hemorrhage Symptoms?
Intracerebral hemorrhage symptoms may suddenly or gradually develop over a few minutes or hours. The most common symptoms of ICH include the following:
- Headache
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Sudden numbness or weakness in one side of the body
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
- Vision loss
- Confusion
- Trouble speaking, reading, writing or swallowing
If you or someone around you is experiencing signs of an intracerebral hemorrhage, call 911 immediately or go to the nearest Emergency Department.
How is Intracerebral Hemorrhage Diagnosed?
An intracerebral hemorrhage is a life-threatening medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. Emergency Department professionals will work quickly to evaluate symptoms and identify the source of brain bleeding. Several tests may be used to assess and diagnose an intracerebral hemorrhage, including:
What Does Intracerebral Hemorrhage Treatment Involve?
The goals of intracerebral hemorrhage treatment are to stop the bleeding and alleviate pressure on the brain as quickly as possible. TGH’s Neuroscience Institute provides a full scope of leading-edge medical and surgical treatment options for intracerebral hemorrhage, including advanced procedures such as surgical clot removal.
Become a TGH Patient
In an emergency, call 911 immediately or go to the nearest Emergency Department. To learn more about Tampa General Hospital’s Neuroscience Institute or to schedule a non-emergent outpatient appointment, call us at (800) 822-3627. Tampa General Hospital was named in the Top 10% in the Nation for Neurology & Neurosurgery and "High Performing" for Stroke Care, according to U.S. News & World Report for 2024-25.
