What is the most common cause of intracerebral hemorrhage?

Hypertension is recognized as the most common cause of intracerebral hemorrhage. Chronic high blood pressure can lead to damage in the small penetrating arteries in the brain, predisposing them to rupture. Over time, the weakened vessels become increasingly susceptible to bleeding. This is particularly evident in the hypertensive population, as the incidence of intracerebral hemorrhage rises significantly with increasing blood pressure levels.

Other potential causes, such as vascular malformations, intracranial tumors, and trauma, can certainly result in intracerebral hemorrhage, but they occur less frequently compared to the effects of sustained hypertension. Vascular malformations, including arteriovenous malformations and aneurysms, typically contribute to a smaller proportion of hemorrhagic strokes. Intracranial tumors can cause bleeding but are less common than the number of hemorrhages attributed to hypertension. Trauma is also a well-known cause of hemorrhagic events but is more associated with specific incidences and not with the general population's overall risk.

Therefore, the strong link between chronic hypertension and the increased risk of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage solidifies its position as the leading cause in clinical practice and epidemiological studies.