Treatment and prevention of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage: comparison of EUSI and AHA/ASA recommendations

Stroke is a leading cause of death and the primary cause of permanent disability in adults in Western countries and has an enormous socioeconomic impact. Among all stroke subtypes, intracerebral hemorrhage is the deadliest form, especially in patients with intraventricular hemorrhage. In recent years, intracerebral hemorrhage has become a major focus within stroke research. The latest data from randomized controlled trials, however, have shown disappointing results. In 2006, the European Stroke Initiative published recommendations for the management of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage, followed by an updated recommendation by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association in 2007. This review gives a comprehensive overview and comparison of the two recommendations. Finally, we provide an overview of ongoing clinical trials in intracerebral hemorrhage.