What is the Full Form of ICH

ICH: Intracerebral Haemorrhage

ICH stands for Intracerebral Haemorrhage. Intracerebral Haemorrhage (ICH) refers to unexpected bleeding into the brain's tissues, ventricles, or both. It is a specific type of stroke and skull-related haemorrhage.

Signs and Symptoms of ICH

People who suffer intracerebral bleeding experience symptoms related to the functions managed by the affected part of the brain. The signs of an increase in intracranial pressure brought on by a big mass pressing against the brain are among the other symptoms. Some other symptoms include headache, numbness on one side of the body, vomiting, convulsions, loss of consciousness, and a stiff neck. Symptoms frequently worsen over time. A common condition is a constant fever. One of the more typical signs of an intracerebral haemorrhage is a severe headache followed by vomiting.

Causes of ICH

Brain tumours, aneurysms, and brain trauma are some of the major ICH causes. Alcohol, low cholesterol, blood thinners, and cocaine usage are other risk factors. The likelihood of spontaneous intracerebral bleeding increases with high blood pressure. Intraparenchymal bleeding is more frequent in adults than in children and is typically brought on by penetrating head injury; however, it can also be brought on by depressed skull fractures.

Among the risk factors for ICH are:

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Diabetes
• Menopause
• Excess alcohol intake
• Severe migraine

Smoking cigarettes can also be a risk factor, but the link between the two is weak.

Diagnosis

Both magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and computed tomography angiography (CTA) have been shown to be successful in identifying intracranial vascular abnormalities following ICH. A CT angiography is commonly carried out to rule out secondary bleeding causes or look for a "spot sign".

Treatment

The type of ICH greatly affects the course of treatment. The correct course of treatment, which could involve medicine and surgery, is determined using a quick CT scan and certain other diagnostic techniques.

Intensive care units (ICUs) are usually the places to provide treatment. Blood pressure should be lowered to 140 mmHg systolic, according to guidelines. Blood sugar levels should be kept within the usual range, and blood thinners should be reversed if possible. Hydrocephalus can be treated surgically by inserting a ventricular drain; however, corticosteroids shouldn't be utilised. In some situations, having the blood removed surgically is also helpful.