Epidemiology, Prognosis and Prevention of Non-Traumatic Intracerebral Hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND

Spontaneous non-traumatic intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) has a worse prognosis than ischemic stroke. The purpose of this review was to update the reader on epidemiology, prognosis and secondary prevention strategies of ICH.

METHODS

We performed a selected review from the literature including recent original articles and meta-analyses.

RESULTS

ICH has an overall incidence of 24.6 per 100.000 patient years, which is considerably higher in Asian populations. Despite some progress in acute interventions and a great increase in clinical studies over the last decade, mortality of ICH remains high. In addition, survivors remain at increased risk of recurrent hemorrhagic as well as ischemic stroke.

CONCLUSION

Knowledge on risk factors and prevention strategies can greatly decrease the incidence of ICH and improve prognosis of ICH survivors.