Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Practice Exam

What is the most common cause of intracerebral hemorrhage?

1. Hypotension

2. Meningioma

3. Hypertension

4. Meningitis

The correct answer is: Hypertension

The most common cause of intracerebral hemorrhage is hypertension. Chronic high blood pressure can lead to the weakening of small blood vessels in the brain, making them more susceptible to rupture. This rupture results in bleeding within the brain tissue, which can lead to significant neurological damage and potentially life-threatening situations. Hypertension is often referred to as a silent killer because it can go undetected for long periods while gradually causing damage to the cardiovascular system and affecting the brain's vasculature. Risk factors such as obesity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and a sedentary lifestyle can increase the chances of developing hypertension, hence contributing to the prevalence of intracerebral hemorrhage associated with elevated blood pressure levels. In contrast, conditions like meningioma and meningitis are less common causes of intracerebral hemorrhages. A meningioma is a type of brain tumor that can cause bleeding but is relatively rare, while meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, which may lead to other complications but is not a primary cause of hemorrhage within the brain tissue itself. Hypotension, or low blood pressure, typically is not associated with causing intracerebral hemorrhage; rather, it is more likely to lead to