Intracerebral Hemorrhage.

Abstract

Patients with intracerebral hemorrhage should be admitted to an intensive care unit for experienced neurologic nursing care and close attention to vital signs. We recommend gentle reduction in blood pressure in individuals who present with elevated readings and in whom hemorrhage is felt to be secondary to hypertension. For the vast majority of nontraumatic intracerebral hemorrhages, the indications for surgery and use of intracranial pressure monitoring devices remain unproven. Surgery is indicated for notable exceptions, such as for patients with cerebellar hematomas (3 mL or larger) and for patients with temporal lobe hematoma and impending brain stem compression. In general, intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring is advised to help guide treatment with hyperosmolar agents and hyperventilation when increased ICP is suspected. For patients with smaller supratentorial hematomas who are alert or somnolent, conservative treatment is optimal. Similarly, we support conservative management in patients older than 70 years of age who present with a hemorrhage of more than 50 mL and a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of less than 8. Insufficient data exist from large randomized and controlled studies to recommend surgical intervention as definitive treatment for the group between these two extremes.