Chronic intracerebral hematoma.

Twelve patients with chronic intracerebral hematoma are reported. This condition may be unrecognized as possibly being benefited by relatively simple diagnostic and therapeutic measures. The neurological symptoms and signs may be acute but may also be intermittent and progressive. The etiology is usually systemic hypertension, but trauma, coagulopathies, and obscure etiologies have been implicated. After diagnosis by computerized tomographic scan and/or arteriography, aspiration of the liquid hematoma usually results in improvement. It is hypothesized that recovery is hastened by removal of the hematoma. Often complete recovery ensues, but mild to severe neurological signs may persist depending on the initial damage.