Treating intracerebral hemorrhage effectively in the ICU. The key steps: provide supportive care and determine the cause.

Abstract

Consider intensive care for any patient with an intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and coma, cardiac ischemia, rhythm disturbances, severe respiratory distress, labile hypertension, or progressive neurologic deficits. Begin treatment with diuretics and prophylaxis of deep venous thrombosis; some patients may also require fluid restriction, hyperventilation, antiepileptic drugs, intracerebral drainage, or surgical evacuation. Common causes of ICH include hypertension; vascular malformations; hemorrhagic infarction; and administration of sympathomimetics, anticoagulants, or fibrinolytics. To predict outcome, consider both the clinical features and radiologic findings at presentation.