Treatment of Spontaneous Intracranial Hemorrhages: the Dilemma Continues

Abstract

Introduction Cerebrovascular Diseases are the major cause of death in Brazil and a public health issue in the world. Methods Review of the literature using the MEDLINE's data bank. We have searched the keywords ""intracerebral"" and ""hemorrhages"" in the title and abstract. Results Intracranial hemorrhages (ICH) affect, mainly, the cerebral lobes, basal ganglia, thalamus, brain stem and the cerebellum as a result of the rupture of diseased cerebral vessels by the effects of hypertension or amyloid angiopathy. Diagnosis can be done with the use of a non-contrast computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cerebral angiogram (useful in investigation of the etiology). Treatment can be divided in clinical and surgical. This decision still should be taken considering individual features, such as patient's age and neurological status, hematoma's size and deep, time between ictus and the procedure, presence of hydrocephalus and compressive effects. The studies has shown a preference for the minimally invasive procedures, since the secondary brain lesions caused by the surgery tend to be less. Conclusion The choice of what would be the best strategy to treat the ICH is still a challenge and this decision should be taken individually.