The treatment is variable depending on the specific location, extent and cause of the bleeding. Treatment goals may include lifesaving interventions such as intubation and hyperventilation (when a breathing tube is inserted and the person is forced to breathe rapidly to reduce pressure in the brain). Treatment goals may also include supportive measures or control of symptoms.

If the bleed is small and does not cause increased pressure within the brain, treatment may be conservative and focused on control of symptoms.

Surgical removal of hematomas (areas of pooled blood) may be appropriate in some cases. Surgical repair of structures causing the bleed such as repair of aneurysm or arteriovenous malformation may be appropriate in some cases.

Medication may be needed to reduce brain swelling. Anticonvulsants can be used to control seizures, analgesics may be needed to control pain, and other medications may be required for symptoms particular to the area affected.

If a bleeding disorder is present, medications or blood products may be needed to control it.

The long-term outcome is highly variable. Death may occur quickly despite prompt medical treatment. Recovery may occur completely or with any level of permanent loss of brain functions.

Medications, surgery, or treatments for this condition may have severe side effects.

Blood irritates the tissues of the brain and may cause swelling (cerebral edema). Blood collects into a mass (hematoma). Both cerebral edema and the presence of a hematoma within the brain will put increasing pressure on the tissues of the brain and can destroy those tissues.

Blood may collect in the subarachnoid space and irritate the membranes covering the brain (meningeal irritation). Complications will vary depending on the extent of damage and the location of the bleed:

• Hydrocephalus (water on the brain)
• Permanent loss of any brain function
• Side effects of medications used to treat the disorder
• Complications of surgery
• Seizure disorder

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if symptoms indicate lobar intracerebral hemorrhage.

Intracerebral hemorrhage is a severe condition ("brain attack") requiring prompt medical attention. It may develop quickly into a life-threatening situation.