Subdural Hematoma(Extra-axial Haematoma; Subdural Haemorrhage; SDH)Pronounced: sub-dur-al hee-ma-toe-ma
by
Cynthia M. Johnson, MA DefinitionA hematoma is a collection of blood. A subdural hematoma (SDH) happens in the space between the covering of brain (the dura) and the brain. This pool of blood can put pressure on the brain. Causes TOPSDH is most often caused by a head injury. This may be due to traumas such as car accidents, assault, and falls.
Risk Factors TOPTaking blood thinning medicine raises the risk of SDH. Symptoms TOPThe blood may pool quickly or take some time to build up. This will affect how fast symptoms happen. The SDH may be:
After a head injury, a SDH may cause:
Seek medical care right away if you have any of these symptoms after a head injury. Diagnosis TOPYour doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. You may also be referred to a specialist for more testing. Pictures may be taken of the brain and the structures around it. This can be done with: Your brain function may be assessed. This can be done with:
You may have blood tests. Treatment TOPTalk with your doctor about the best plan for you. Treatment will depend on the size and severity of the SDH. It will also be based on your specific symptoms. Here are some treatment methods: Watch and WaitA minor injury with little or no symptoms may not need treatment. Your doctor may simply ask that you watch for any new symptoms. It can take days and weeks for some symptoms to happen. MedicationsSteroids may be given to lower brain swelling. Surgery TOPSurgery may be needed to ease pressure on the brain. Examples are:
Prevention TOPTo help lower your chance of a head injury:
RESOURCES:American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery http://www.entnet.org Brain Injury Association of America http://www.biausa.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:Brain Injury Canada http://braininjurycanada.ca Ontario Brain Injury Association http://obia.ca References:Servadei F, Compagnone C, Sahuguillo J. The role of surgery in traumatic brain injury.
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Subdural hematoma. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T114154/Subdural-hematoma
. Updated September 13, 2017. Accessed June 25, 2018.
Subdural haematoma. Patient UK website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated September 24, 2017. Accessed June 25, 2018. Last reviewed May 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Rimas Lukas, MD Last Updated: 6/25/2018 | |
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