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The treatment for Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ICH) evolves rapidly depending on the time elapsed since onset and the location of the bleeding. The first 6 hours, in particular, constitute the "Hyperacute Phase," where treatments aimed at halting the expansion of the hemorrhage and controlling intracranial pressure have the greatest impact on prognosis.

Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ICH) is an extremely dangerous condition where a patient's state can change drastically and become life-threatening within just a few hours of onset. The first 6 hours are particularly critical—the "battleground for treatment"—as bleeding is likely to expand, and the risk of loss of consciousness or respiratory arrest due to brainstem compression is highest.

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a severe condition where a blood vessel within the brain ruptures, causing bleeding that destroys or compresses brain cells. The location of the bleeding significantly affects its cause, presenting symptoms, severity, and treatment plan. ICH is primarily classified into five types, ranging from Putaminal Hemorrhage, which is most frequent in Japan, to Pontine Hemorrhage, which has the highest fatality rate.

Cerebral hemorrhage (intracerebral hemorrhage) and cerebral infarction (ischemic stroke), often collectively referred to as "stroke," have fundamentally different mechanisms of onset, fatality rates, treatments, and keys to prevention. While cerebral infarction is overwhelmingly more common, occurring 2 to 3 times more frequently annually and showing significant treatment advancements, the threat of cerebral hemorrhage remains significant, with a high fatality rate of 30–50%.

Acute treatment for cerebral infarction is expensive, and subsequent long-term rehabilitation and persistent sequelae often lead to increased living expenses. This frequently results in a financial burden that cannot be fully covered by public health insurance (High-Cost Medical Expense System).

Cerebral infarction treatment is a "race against time," and because it involves highly advanced medical technology, it incurs significant costs. The June 2025 revision of medical fees introduced critical changes to improve the quality and continuity of stroke care, including raising the points for thrombectomy and expanding the duration of early rehabilitation.

One of the major concerns for patients and families following a cerebral infarction is the question of "how long the hospital stay will be." As of 2025, stroke treatment in Japan is typically divided into two phases: "Acute Hospital Treatment" and "Intensive Training at a Recovery Rehabilitation Ward." The most common scenario involves a total hospital stay of approximately 90−120 days.

While acute treatment for stroke is vital for survival, the way a patient copes with the subsequent long-term effects (sequelae) significantly determines their Quality of Life (QOL). Sequelae extend beyond "hemiplegia" to include higher brain function disorders affecting language, memory, and emotion, each requiring appropriate rehabilitation.

Cerebral infarction (stroke) is the "No. 1 Preventable Disease"—with appropriate measures, you can reduce your risk of onset by half or more. Focusing on the three major risk factors for stroke in Japan—High Blood Pressure, Smoking, and Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)—will significantly influence your future health.

Cerebral infarction treatment demands extremely rapid decision-making and action, based on the principle that "Time equals Brain." The time elapsed since onset drastically changes which treatments can save a life and minimize long-term disabilities. Crucially, contemporary standard treatment focuses intensive, powerful therapies during the immediate hours following onset.