Subdural Hematoma

What Is a Subdural Hematoma?

A subdural hematoma is a type of bleeding inside the skull, where blood collects between the dura mater (the brain’s outer protective layer) and the arachnoid membrane. It is typically caused by a head injury, and can be life-threatening due to the pressure it places on the brain.

Types of Subdural Hematomas

1. Acute

   • Develops rapidly after a severe head injury
   • Symptoms appear within minutes to hours
   • High risk of brain damage or death

2. Subacute

   • Symptoms appear days to weeks after injury
   • Often associated with concussions

3. Chronic

   • Develops slowly over weeks or months
   • Common in older adults after minor trauma
   • May mimic dementia or stroke symptoms

Symptoms of Subdural Hematoma

Symptoms vary depending on the rate of bleeding and severity:

• Severe headache
• Confusion or personality changes
• Slurred speech
• Seizures
• Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
• Loss of consciousness or coma
• Vision problems
• Nausea and vomiting
• Difficulty walking or balance issues

Causes and Risk Factors

• Head trauma (falls, car accidents, sports injuries)
• Brain atrophy (common in older adults)
• Blood-thinning medications (e.g., warfarin, aspirin)
• Alcohol abuse
• Seizure disorders
• Shaken baby syndrome (in infants)

Diagnosis

Diagnosis typically involves:

• CT scan or MRI to detect bleeding and pressure
• Neurological exam to assess brain function
• Monitoring symptoms over time for chronic cases

Treatment Options

1. Observation

• For small or stable hematomas
• Regular imaging and neurological monitoring [Subdural H…Explained]

2. Medications

• Corticosteroids to reduce swelling
• Anticonvulsants to prevent seizures
• Reversal agents for blood thinners if needed [Subdural h…prognosis]

3. Surgical Intervention

• Craniotomy or burr hole drainage to remove blood
• Middle meningeal artery embolization (minimally invasive option for chronic cases)
• Surgery is urgent for large hematomas causing brain compression

Prognosis

• Acute subdural hematomas have a high risk of death or disability
• Chronic cases often have better outcomes with timely treatment
• Rehabilitation may be needed for physical or cognitive recovery

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Let our experienced doctors help you manage subdural hematomas and protect your brain health.