Intracranial Hematoma
Intracranial Hematoma Causes
The cause of intracranial bleeding (hemorrhage) is an injury to the head, often as a result of an automobile or motorcycle accident or a seemingly trivial event, such as bumping the head. Mild head trauma is more likely to cause a hematoma if the patient is an older adult.
Intracranial Hematoma Definition
An intracranial hematoma occurs when a blood vessel ruptures within the brain or between the skull and the brain. The collection of blood (hematoma) compresses the brain tissue.
Intracranial Hematoma Diagnosis
The best method to define the position and size of a hematoma is by imaging techniques, such as computerized tomography (CT) scan) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.
Intracranial Hematoma Symptoms and Signs
Signs and symptoms of an intracranial hematoma may occur from immediately to several weeks or longer after a blow to the head. As time progresses, pressure on the brain increases, producing some or all of the following signs and symptoms: headache, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, slurred speech or loss of ability to speak, pupils of unequal size, and weakness in limbs on side of the body.
Intracranial Hematoma Treatment
Options include: Perforation, where, if the blood is localized and isn't clotting excessively, the doctor may create a hole through the skull (perforation) and then remove the liquid by suction; and Craniotomy, where large hematomas may require that a section of the skull be opened (craniotomy) to remove the blood.