Translational stroke studies, including animal modeling, are needed to safely integrate basic preclinical scientific principles ahead of clinical application [27–31]. Exsanguination therapy following ICH in rodents, using the traditional phlebotomy approach, may ameliorate the early brain injury (hemorrhage and edema), despite equivocal changes in the short-term neurological functional ability. This study forms the basis to justify further investigation into the preclinical application of this safe and broadly available clinical therapy as a potential therapeutic modality for this devastated patient population. Future studies will need to further delineate the involvement of specific neuroprotective molecules, sympathetic responses, hemodynamic molecules, or neuro-endocrine factors involved in this apparent postconditioning of rat ICH.