What Is Subdural Hemorrhage?
Subdural hematoma is a blood clot that occurs on the surface of the brain, just beneath the protective membrane called the dura mater. In subdural hemorrhage, blood leakage usually originates from a vein and progresses slowly; therefore, it may sometimes take days or even weeks for symptoms to appear. (In epidural hemorrhage, the leakage originates from an artery, so symptoms develop rapidly.) However, if subdural hemorrhages that reach a large size in a very short time are not diagnosed and treated urgently, death may occur.
How Is Subdural Hemorrhage Diagnosed?
While it is diagnosed with computed tomography in emergency situations such as head trauma, chronic subdural hematomas that produce delayed symptoms are diagnosed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
What Is the Treatment for Subdural Hemorrhage?
Small subdural hemorrhages are gradually absorbed by the body and do not require surgery. However, surgery may often be necessary. Larger hematomas and those consisting of clotted blood can be removed by opening a part of the skull. During the recovery period, memory loss (amnesia), anxiety, and headaches may occur within the first 6 months.
What Are the Symptoms of Subdural Hemorrhage?
Drowsiness, confusion, bewilderment, partial paralysis on one side of the body, imbalance, nausea, and persistent or fluctuating headaches may be seen. Subdural hemorrhage may occur immediately after the injury (acute) or may develop slowly (chronic).
The main symptom of acute subdural hemorrhage is a rapidly decreasing level of consciousness after a head injury and dilation of the pupil on the side of the injury. This condition requires emergency surgery to evacuate the hemorrhage.
How Is Subdural Hemorrhage Treated?
While small subdural hemorrhages are monitored, large ones are operated on urgently. The blood collection is drained, and measures are taken so that the surrounding brain tissue can return to its previous shape.
