Spontaneous intracranial bleeding in hemorrhagic diathesis.

Eight patients with spontaneous intracranial bleeding secondary to hemophilia A, afibrinogenemia, and thrombocytopenia are described. The clinical picture was that of increased intracranial pressure of gradual onset with variable signs and symptoms. Both the hemostatic defect and the intracranial bleeding were proved by laboratory investigations and CT scanning. Mortality was 75% (six of eight patients). The two remaining patients recovered completely following combined medical and surgical treatment, and are alive and well.