A basal ganglia hemorrhage is an intracerebral hemorrhage in the region of the basal ganglia. This is a typical site for spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhages, particularly those related to hypertension.

Etiology

Basal ganglia hemorrhages typically occur as spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhages but can also, in rare cases (~3%), be traumatic in origin[^2].

Therapy

In most cases, these types of hemorrhages can be treated conservatively, without neurosurgical intervention. In some cases, an external ventricular drainage (EVD) and/or intracranial pressure monitoring may be indicated.

Classification

In principle, basal ganglia hemorrhages are differentiated into those with and without rupture into the ventricular system.

Basal ganglia hemorrhage without ventricular rupture

Hemorrhages confined to the brain parenchyma in the area of the basal ganglia without rupture into the ventricular system are termed as basal ganglia hemorrhages without ventricular rupture.

Basal ganglia hemorrhage on CT — CT imaging of hypertensive basal ganglia hemorrhage without ventricular hemorrhage.

Basal ganglia hemorrhage with ventricular rupture

When a hemorrhage within the basal ganglia ruptures into the ventricular system, it is termed a basal ganglia hemorrhage with ventricular rupture. The presence of blood in the ventricular system increases the risk of both hydrocephalus occlusus and malresorptive, necessitating an external ventricular drainage.

Basal ganglia hemorrhage with ventricular blood. — CT image of a patient with a left-sided common basal ganglia hemorrhage with invasion of the ventricular system.

Prognosis

A study conducted in 2006, based on 116 patients, demonstrated that the presence of a ventricular rupture in a basal ganglia hemorrhage does not influence the prognosis of the long-term outcome[^1].