Subdural Hematoma

Subdural Hematoma Definition

Due to a head injury as a result of accidents, falls or blows to the head, there arises a life-threatening condition of a vein rupture, resulting in blood clotting and collecting on the brains’ surface just underneath the skin. This condition is called a subdural hematoma.

Subdural Hematoma Symptoms

Typical symptoms of a subdural hematoma are very similar to the symptoms of dementia, stroke, tumors or other brain-related problems like the following:

• Speech slurring
• Loss of consciousness, fainting or going into coma
• Seizures
• Numbness
• Weakness
• Severe headaches
• Vision problems

Subdural Hematoma Risk Factors

Complications and risks associated with subdural hematoma are determined by the extent and severity of the brain injury –

• Brain herniation which induces pressure on your brain thus causing coma or even death
• Permanent muscle weakness and numbness

Subdural Hematoma Diagnosis

Usually, the doctor will ask for:

• imaging tests like a CT or MRI scan to have a clear and in-depth picture of the brain, the skull, veins and blood vessels and also, to check if there’s any blood on the brain.
• Blood test for a complete blood count
• A physical examination to check vitals – heart rate and blood pressure to rule out internal bleeding

Subdural Hematoma Treatment

The various treatment options are

• Craniotomy which is a surgical procedure where a part of the skull is removed with suction and irrigation to remove/treat blood clots due to large or acute subdural hematomas.
• Burr hole procedure where small holes are made on the skull and rubber tubes are inserted to drain out smaller blood clots in the hematomas
• Anti-seizure medications to counter seizures due to subdural hematoma
• Medication to treat brain injury
• Prescription of corticosteroids to reduce inflammation in the brain

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