Advances in spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage

Objectives: To assess the evidence and available literature on the clinical, pathogenetic, prognostic and therapeutic aspects of intracerebral haemorrhage. Methods: The most important manuscripts and reviews on the subject were considered. Information was collected from Medline, Embase & National Library of Medicine over the last 40 years up to Oct 2011. The bibliographies of relevant articles were searched for additional references. The most up to date and randomised trials were given preference. Clinical guidelines including AHA/ASA, Royal college of Physicians, NICE, Scottish Intercollegiate guidelines and several others were taken into consideration. Findings: There are numerous advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis and management, but hardly any change in the overall mortality in the last few decades. There is a poor understanding of the results of surgical trials that has resulted in a large drop in surgical intervention since 2007. Interpretations and Implications: Advances in neuroimaging and neurophysiology have improved our understanding of the mechanisms of neuronal injury and existence of perihaematomal tissue at risk. Numerous new therapeutic targets have been identified. There is a lot of misunderstanding of the results of the newer surgical trials which need to be clarified. The importance of cerebral amyloid angiopathy and microbleeds in older patients is increasingly recognised. Control of hypertension is the most important public health measure. Stroke units provide the best outcomes for the patients.