Question 1

What is subdural hematoma?

Accepted Answer

A subdural hematoma is a collection of blood on the surface of the brain. It lies beneath the outer covering (the dura) of the brain and the brain's surface.

Question 2

What are the risk factors for subdural hematoma?

Accepted Answer

Subdural hematomas are usually the result of a serious Head injury. When this is the cause, they are referred to as "acute" subdural hematomas. Subdural hematomas can also occur spontaneously or after a very minor Head injury, especially in the elderly. These go unnoticed for many days to many weeks, and are referred to as "chronic" subdural hematomas. The terms acute, subacute, and chronic reflect how long it takes blood to collect. Acute traumatic subdural hematomas are among the most lethal of all head injury (up to 50% lethality). They expand very rapidly, leaving little room for the brain, and are associated with brain injury. Subdural hematomas occur in about 15% of all head traumas.

Question 3

What are the symptoms of subdural hematoma?

Accepted Answer

• Recent injury or trauma to the head • Loss of consciousness after original injury • headache, steady or fluctuating • Weakness, numbness or inability to speak • Slurred speech • nausea and Vomiting • Lethargy • Seizures In infants: • Bulging fontanelles • Increased head circumference • Separated sutures • Irritability • High-pitched cry • Focal seizures • Generalized tonic-clonic seizure

Question 4

How is subdural hematoma treated?

Accepted Answer

A subdural hematoma is an emergency condition! Treatment includes lifesaving measures, controlling symptoms, and minimizing or preventing permanent brain damage. Medications vary according to the type and severity of symptoms and the extent of brain damage. Diuretics may be used to reduce swelling. Anticonvulsant medications such as phenytoin may be used to control or prevent seizures. Emergency surgery may be required to reduce pressure within the brain. This may involve drilling a small hole in the skull to relieve pressure and allow the hematoma to drain. Large hematomas or solid Blood clots may need to be removed through a larger opening in the skull (craniotomy).

Question 5

What is the outlook for subdural hematoma?

Accepted Answer

The outlook following a subdural hematoma varies widely depending on the type of Head injury, the size of the blood collection, and how quickly treatment is obtained. Acute subdural hematomas present the largest challenge, with high rates of death and injury. Subacute and chronic subdural hematomas have good outcomes in most cases, with symptoms going away after the blood collection is drained. There is a high frequency of seizures following a subdural hematoma, but these are usually well controlled with medication.

Question 6

What are the complications of subdural hematoma?

Accepted Answer

• Temporary of permanent weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking • Seizures • Brain herniation • Persistent symptoms such as Memory loss, dizziness, headache, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating

Question 7

Can subdural hematoma be prevented?

Accepted Answer

Use safety equipment and safety precautions at work and play to minimize the risk of a Head injury. For example, use hard hats, bicycle or motorcycle helmets, and seat belts.

Subdural hematoma

Key points

Alternative names

Definition

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Risks include:

Symptoms

Explore health topics

More in this topic

Abdominal wall biopsy

Subdural hematoma

Key points

Alternative names

Definition

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Risks include:

Symptoms

Explore health topics

More in this topic

Abdominal wall biopsy

Signs and tests

Treatment

Expectations (prognosis)

Complications

Calling your health care provider

Prevention

Abdominal MRI

Abdominal hysterectomy