Subdural Hematoma
Subdural Hematoma Causes
Subdural hematoma occurs when veins between the brain and the outermost of three membrane layers that cover the brain -- rupture. The blood compresses the brain tissue resulting to a progressive decline in consciousness or even death.
Subdural Hematoma Definition
A subdural hematoma is the result of a head injury. Intracranial hematoma occurs after a blood vessel ruptures in the brain or between the skull and brain producing blood that compresses the brain tissue.
Subdural Hematoma Diagnosis
Once a patient is experiencing progressive loss of consciousness after a head injury, the doctor usually presume that it is caused by a hemorrhage inside the skull until proven otherwise. The patient may need to undergo imaging tests such as computerized tomography scan or magnetic resonance imaging scan. These tests can define the position and size of a hematoma.
Subdural Hematoma Symptoms and Signs
The increase of pressure on the brain may cause headache, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, slurred speech or loss of ability to speak, unequal pupil size, weakness in limbs on one side of the body. As more blood flows into the brain or in the space between the brain and skull, symptoms such as lethargy, seizures, and unconsciousness may become apparent.
Subdural Hematoma Treatment
The condition usually requires surgery the type of which surgery depends on the hematoma's characteristics. The procedures may be perforation or craniotomy. Some subdural hematomas do not require removal because of their small size and that they do not have signs or symptoms. The doctor may only use medications control brain swelling.