Subdural Hematoma - Important And Concise Information
Posted by
Bob CarrollOctober 24, 2005 7:21 AMSubdural hematoma is frequently the result of a traumatic head injury. 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. Use safety equipment and safety precautions at work and play to minimize the risk of a head injury.
A subdural hematoma, frequently the result of a traumatic head injury, is a serious medical condition. It deserves a review that is concise and understandable. A posting at Info For Health qualifies and is repeated here.
Subdrual Hematoma
Definition: 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.
Alternative Names: Subdural hemorrhage
Causes
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 injuries (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. Tiny veins between the surface of the brain and its outer covering (the dura) stretch and tear, allowing blood to collect. In the elderly, the veins are often already stretched because of brain atrophy (shrinkage).
Risks include:
Head injury
Very young or very old age
Anticoagulant medication (blood thinners)
Chronic alcohol use
Symptoms
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
Exams and Tests
Always seek medical attention following a significant head trauma or mental deterioration in the elderly. The evaluation should include a complete neurologic exam.
Any of the following may prompt the physician to order a brain imaging study:
Signs of weakness
Numbness
Inability to speak
Slurred speech
Persistent headache
Abnormal level of consciousness
Recent intellectual deterioration in an elderly person, even in the absence of head injury)
A CT scan or MRI scan would likely be done to evaluate for the presence of a subdural hematoma.
Treatment
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).
Outlook (Prognosis)
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.
Possible Complications
Temporary of permanent weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking
Seizures
Brain herniation
Persistent symptoms such as memory loss, dizziness, headache, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Serious head injuries and complications like subdural hematoma require emergency medical attention. Call 911 or go immediately to an emergency room. Spinal injuries often accompany head injuries, so always consider immobilizing the patient's neck if the patient must be moved before medics arrive.
Prevention
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.