Intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) is one of the most serious subtypes of stroke, affecting approximately 2-3 million people worldwide each year. About one third of people with ICH die early after onset and the majority of survivors are left with major long-term disability. Administration of activated recombinant human Factor VII has been shown to limit haematoma expansion in randomised controlled clinical trials; however, future clinical use of this agent may be limited by a short therapeutic time window, contraindication in patients at risk of thromboembolism and high cost. Currently, no acute medical therapies have been shown to alter outcome in ICH and the role of surgery remains uncertain.