Hospital Stay Duration for Intracerebral Hemorrhage: The Reality of Discharge—From 2 Weeks for Mild Cases to Over 1 Year for Severe Cases

Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ICH) is a disease where patients often require extended hospital stays for rehabilitation, even after surviving the life-threatening acute phase. However, as of 2025, advances in medical systems and treatment technology have shown a trend toward shorter hospital stays.

Hospital Stay Duration for Intracerebral Hemorrhage (By Hospital Type and Condition)

Type/Severity of HemorrhageAcute Hospital (Emergency ∼ Post-Surgery)Transfer to Recovery/Rehab HospitalTotal Estimated Hospital StayNotes (Current as of 2025)
Mild (Bleeding 10–20 mL, full strength in limbs, clear consciousness)2–4 WeeksNo transfer needed (often discharged home)2–6 WeeksIncreasingly shorter stays recently.
Moderate (Bleeding 30–50 mL, Hemiparesis present, clear consciousness)3–6 Weeks2–4 Months3–5 MonthsThe most common pattern.
Severe (Bleeding >50 mL, impaired consciousness, required surgery)4–10 Weeks3–6 Months5–10 MonthsMay be prolonged by complications like ventricular drainage.
Cerebellar Hemorrhage (If surgically treated)3–5 Weeks1–3 Months2–4 MonthsSurprisingly fast discharge if surgery is successful.
Pontine (Brainstem) Hemorrhage (If survived)2–6 Months (Long ICU stay)6 Months∼1+ Year1–2+ YearsOften prolonged due to tracheostomy and PEG tube placement.
Elderly (Age 80+) + Repeated pneumonia/aspiration1–3 MonthsNo transfer; discharged to nursing home or home3–6 MonthsIncreasing cases where transfer to rehab hospitals is difficult.

Main Reasons for Shorter Hospital Stays in 2025

Change in PracticeImpact on Hospital Stay Duration
Popularization of Endoscopic Surgery / Stereotactic AspirationRecovery is 2–3 weeks faster than with craniotomy.
Increase in Recovery/Rehabilitation Hospital BedsAcute hospitals can discharge patients faster.
Enhancement of Home/Outpatient Rehabilitation ServicesAfter 3 months, home care + daycare can suffice.
Changes in Nursing Care Insurance “Add-ons”Hospital revenue sharply declines after 150 days→ Leads to proactive discharge planning.

Realistic Discharge Timing Guide (Questions Families Are Asked)

Doctor’s StatementEstimated Days Until Discharge/Transfer
“We should be able to transfer you to the recovery hospital next week.”3–10 days left in the acute phase.
“Consciousness is stable, so we’re looking for a rehab hospital.”1–3 weeks until transfer.
“We couldn’t find a transfer location, so we’ll arrange for home discharge.”2–4 weeks until discharge home.
“It looks like we’ll exceed 150 days, so we need to plan for discharge…”1–2 weeks until mandatory discharge (to a nursing facility or home).

Conditions for Being Discharged Home (2025 Latest Checklist)

  • The patient can use the home toilet and bath (even in a wheelchair, with barriers removed).
  • Family members or home care services can visit ≥3 times a day.
  • Home rehabilitation + daycare services can be secured 3–5 days a week.
  • The patient can eat regular or minced food without choking.