Deep intracerebral hemorrhage Health Article

Definition

Deep intracerebral hemorrhage is a type of stroke due to bleeding within the deep structures of the brain. These structures include the thalamus, basal ganglia, pons, and cerebellum.

See also:

• Hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage
• Intracerebral hemorrhage

Alternative Names

Intracranial bleed

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Deep intracerebral hemorrhage can affect any person regardless of age, sex, or race, though it is more common in older people. It may be caused by:

• Angioma (a type of blood vessel tumor)
• Bleeding into a tumor
• Blood vessels problems (such as a cerebral aneurysm or arteriovenous malformation)
• Blood clotting problems
• Head injury (trauma)

In some cases, no cause can be found.

Bleeding in the brain irritates the brain tissues, causing swelling (cerebral edema). The blood may collect into a mass (hematoma). Both swelling and a mass of blood within the brain put increasing pressure on the brain tissues and eventually destroy them.

Risk factors for deep intracerebral hemorrhage include:

• Certain blood or bleeding disorders
  • Decreased blood platelets
  • Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
  • Hemophilia
  • Leukemia
  • Sickle cell anemia
• High blood pressure
• Liver disease
• Use of aspirin or blood thinners

Symptoms

The symptoms vary depending on the location of the bleed and the amount of brain tissue affected. Symptoms most commonly develop suddenly, without warning, often during activity. They may be episodic (occurring and then stopping) or slowly get worse over time. Symptoms may include:

• Change in alertness (level of consciousness)
  • Apathetic
  • Coma
  • Lethargy
  • Sleepiness
  • Stupor
  • Unconsciousness
  • Withdrawn
• Difficulty speaking or understanding others
• Difficulty swallowing
• Difficulty writing or reading
• Headache
  • Occurs when lying flat
  • Wakes you up from sleep
  • Gets worse when you change positions or when you bend, strain, or cough
  • Starts suddenly
• Loss of coordination
• Loss of balance
• Movement changes, usually on only one side of the body
  • Difficulty moving any body part
  • Loss of fine motor skills
• Nausea or vomiting
• Seizure
• Sensation changes, usually on only one side of the body
  • Decreased sensation
  • Numbness or tingling
• Weakness of any body part
• Vision changes
  • Decreased vision
  • Loss of all or part of vision