Stroke: Intracerebral Hemorrhage
This Type of Stroke Involves the Rupturing of a Blood Vessel
Intracerebral hemorrhaging is just what its name implies: the rupturing of a blood vessel within the brain. It's less common than an ischemic stroke, but often deadlier.
Definition of Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Intracerebral hemorrhage is a form of stroke which involves the rupture of a blood vessel within the brain. It can be far more serious than an ischemic stroke because of the hemorrhaging vessel. Again, it cuts off the supply of oxygen and nutrients to brain tissue, causing dysfunction and possible brain cell death. But it also causes blood leakage into parts of the brain. This leakage can occur within the basal ganglia, cerebellum, brainstem, or cortex. Rapid hemorrhage can cause pressure within the brain, leading to unconsciousness or even death.
Risk Factors for Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Intracerebral hemorrhage is less common than ischemic stroke (it comprises about 12% of all strokes), and it is mainly due to high blood pressure. Other factors include tumors, infections, trauma, and abnormal blood vessels. Because atherosclerosis is not the prime factor causing this type of stroke, age is also not a big factor. Intracerebral stroke can happen at any age. For information about types of strokes, visit www.strokecenter.org.
***For more information about strokes, read Symptoms of a Stroke, Stroke: TIA, and Ischemic Stroke.
***For related neurological information, visit the Neurological ARTICLE INDEX and Blog.
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