Acute hemorrhagic stroke pathophysiology and medical interventions: blood pressure control, management of anticoagulant-associated brain hemorrhage and general management principles.

Nontraumatic intracerebral hemorrhage is a neurologic emergency that accounts for about 10% to 20% of all strokes. Few patients suffering from intracerebral hemorrhage are expected to be independent 6 months after the event. This article reviews the pathophysiology and general medical management principles of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage, including the acute management of elevated blood pressure and management of anticoagulant-associated intracerebral hemorrhage.