What is intracranial hemorrhage primarily caused by?

Intracranial hemorrhage most commonly results from blunt force trauma, which can lead to a secondary brain injury. When the skull experiences a significant impact, blood vessels within the cranial cavity can rupture, causing bleeding in the brain or surrounding areas. This type of injury is particularly prevalent in environments where falls or motor vehicle accidents are common.

Although genetic predispositions and systemic diseases can contribute to an increased risk of bleeding, they are not the primary causes of intracranial hemorrhage in most cases. Severe hypertension, while a contributing factor, can lead to vessel damage and potentially result in a hemorrhage, it is often part of a more complex interaction with trauma rather than being the sole cause. In contrast, the immediate effects of a significant impact leading to physical damage to cerebral blood vessels are the most direct and common triggers for intracranial bleeding.