A subdural hematoma is classified as a blood clot that forms below the dura mater lining of the skull. The arachnoid matter that envelopes the brain and dura mater are part of the protective layering that protects the brain.
The most common cause for a subdural hematoma is trauma to the head. The bleeding can occur when veins in this space are stretched and torn such as what happens in a severe impact. Brain atrophy, a shrinking of the brain, can also cause enough stress on these veins to induce a rupture and a bleed.
Head trauma can occur in any number of ways and to anyone. While brain atrophy is something that is typically seen in elderly people or alcoholics.
Imaging either by way of a CT scan or MRI is most often used to diagnose a subdural hematoma. Symptoms are typically similar to those experienced in all kinds of brain related injuries.
Computer Tomography or a CT scan is a very quick procedure. Doctors order this test regularly for a large number of disorders. With respect to a brain injury, radiologists can quickly determine if a clot has formed in the meninges layers that protect the brain.
Subdural hematoma's are classified as acute, sub-acute or chronic. The most serious being the acute subdural hematoma that is most often found in cases with severe head trauma. When the head is involved in a high speed collision, the force can be severe enough that the protective layering around the brain is unable to mitigate the force in which the brain hits the skull resulting in potential severe inter-cranial bleeding.
Chronic subdural hematoma's occur at a much slower rate. These clots can occur over a longer time period and are sometimes difficult to associate directly to any head trauma. Minor bleeds often stop on their own and the blood is reabsorbed into the tissue and brain without surgical treatment. The mortality rate in cases of chronic subdural hematomas is substantially lower.
While the acute trauma injuries are instant and life threatening, the chronic subdural hematoma may take weeks, months, or even years of bleeding at a very slow rate before they start to cause enough pressure within the head to provoke symptoms.
While minor bleeds may correct themselves and not even require surgery, other cases may involve brain surgery to eliminate pressure and remove blood from inside of the head.
If pressure on the brain needs to be relieved due to severe symptoms and danger to longterm brain injury, surgery may be required. Burr hole surgery is preferred over opening the skull completely. A small incision is made in the scalp, a hand drill is used to burrow a small hole through which a drain can be placed to siphon the blood.
Craniotomy surgery is performed when a burr hole surgery would not be effective. This procedure involves removing a portion of the skull in order to cleanse to affected area. The bone flap is then put back into place and the scalp sewn up in place.
The most common cause for a subdural hematoma is trauma to the head. The bleeding can occur when veins in this space are stretched and torn such as what happens in a severe impact. Brain atrophy, a shrinking of the brain, can also cause enough stress on these veins to induce a rupture and a bleed.
Head trauma can occur in any number of ways and to anyone. While brain atrophy is something that is typically seen in elderly people or alcoholics.
Imaging either by way of a CT scan or MRI is most often used to diagnose a subdural hematoma. Symptoms are typically similar to those experienced in all kinds of brain related injuries.
Computer Tomography or a CT scan is a very quick procedure. Doctors order this test regularly for a large number of disorders. With respect to a brain injury, radiologists can quickly determine if a clot has formed in the meninges layers that protect the brain.
Subdural hematoma's are classified as acute, sub-acute or chronic. The most serious being the acute subdural hematoma that is most often found in cases with severe head trauma. When the head is involved in a high speed collision, the force can be severe enough that the protective layering around the brain is unable to mitigate the force in which the brain hits the skull resulting in potential severe inter-cranial bleeding.
Chronic subdural hematoma's occur at a much slower rate. These clots can occur over a longer time period and are sometimes difficult to associate directly to any head trauma. Minor bleeds often stop on their own and the blood is reabsorbed into the tissue and brain without surgical treatment. The mortality rate in cases of chronic subdural hematomas is substantially lower.
While the acute trauma injuries are instant and life threatening, the chronic subdural hematoma may take weeks, months, or even years of bleeding at a very slow rate before they start to cause enough pressure within the head to provoke symptoms.
While minor bleeds may correct themselves and not even require surgery, other cases may involve brain surgery to eliminate pressure and remove blood from inside of the head.
If pressure on the brain needs to be relieved due to severe symptoms and danger to longterm brain injury, surgery may be required. Burr hole surgery is preferred over opening the skull completely. A small incision is made in the scalp, a hand drill is used to burrow a small hole through which a drain can be placed to siphon the blood.
Craniotomy surgery is performed when a burr hole surgery would not be effective. This procedure involves removing a portion of the skull in order to cleanse to affected area. The bone flap is then put back into place and the scalp sewn up in place.
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A regular guys explanation of a subdural hematoma. If you or someone that you know is affected by a subdural hematoma this may provide valuable information.