The clinical records and computed tomography scans of 50 consecutive patients with intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) were analysed. Putaminal (48%) and thalamic (16%) ICH comprised the largest group, followed by cerebellar haemorrhage (12%). Intraventricular haemorrhage was observed in 14 cases, a majority being secondary to parenchymal haemorrhage. Hypertension remained the most important risk factor, occurring in 64% of the whole group and 83% of those with putaminal ICH. No predisposing factors for the haemorrhage were identified in 28% of patients. Twenty-seven patients were comatose; the incidence of coma in association with intraventricular haemorrhage was 79%. At the third week, 13 patients had died, a mortality rate of 26%.