Uncontrolled hypertension is the most common cause of brain hemorrhage. The incidence is almost 50 % of all bleeds that occur in the brain. In general the symptoms are very abrupt with alteration in the level of consciousness leading to coma with or without weakness of the limbs. On the other hand, there may be only a trivial headache with or without vomiting and with minimal neurological deficits. This happens when the hemorrhage is small in size. Some do experience focal or generalised seizures due to a hypertensive brain hemorrhage.

A CT Scan or an MRI of the brain is the basic investigation one needs to undergo. Based on the scan findings treatment is initiated with the use of anti edema measures, anticonvulsants and anti hypertensives (oral or intravenous) for a good control of the blood pressure. Some patients do need a ‘Cerebral Angiography’ (MR-A or Digital Subtraction angiography) to rule out other causes of a brain hemorrhage due to a ruptured vascular malformation or an aneurysm. Apart from medical treatment, surgery may be needed to drain large haematomas that is causing pressure symptoms.