How to Survive Cranial or Epidural Hematoma
Simply stated, epidural hematoma is the abnormal clotting of blood at the outer covering of the brain. This outer covering is termed the dura, which fastens to the brain and is located just below the skull. The main job of the dura is to protect the brain and make sure it is nourished with enough spinal fluid and blood.
Damage to the dura causes cranial or epidural hematoma. Usually, it comes about when a person receives a heavy blow to his head. As an effect, the brain shakes inside the cavity. Any movement inside the head could possibly shear or tear the blood vessels situated in the dura or the brain itself. And so blood clots are expected and epidural hematoma occurs.
Similar scenarios could cause cranial or epidural hematoma. Blows to the head may arise from injuries like bicycle accidents, assault, or vehicle crashes. Falling down headfirst from a good height will also cause this condition. People who are in higher risk from this disease are the elderly, and that’s because they are more prone to falling because of their weak bones and muscles. Also, those who are taking blood-thinning medicines are also at risk.
The symptoms associated with cranial or epidural hematoma are severe headaches, vomiting, and dizziness. Aside from those, patients may also observe that their eye’s pupil had increased in size. Sudden weakness of an arm or a leg is also a sign of this condition.
Patients with a more severe epidural hematoma will have reduced level of awareness. And if the same patient falls into a deep sleep or coma because of this disease, they might be unable to wake up from it at all. And this only shows that the disease is indeed life threatening. And so when any of these signs are observed, or even trivial instances of shortness of breath, medical help should be sought appropriately.
To diagnose cranial and epidural hematoma, a CT scan is performed. CT scan is a special type of x-ray of the brain. It produces an image of the brain that would help doctors detect problems with the skull or the dura. It would also show the vessels with blood clots in the brain.
To treat cranial or epidural hematoma, surgery is conducted. Of course, the treatment is still dependent upon the symptoms of the disease. But if and when blood clots are seen in any part of the brain, there is no other way to remove it but to do it surgically.
As we all know, any surgery to the brain is critical. In fact, patients who had undergone brain surgery due to cranial hematoma have to be placed in the ICU right after the blood clot is removed. Their consciousness levels have to be monitored closely. And nurses have to watch out for any possible complications that could arise from the patient’s condition. Patients are also going to need a breathing machine or a ventilator until after they wake up and able to breath on their own.
Some patients who have had hematoma surgery require rehabilitation. This is needed so that they can regain their normal abilities like speaking, walking, and doing things on their own. A team of rehabilitation experts has to be formed, and it includes nurses, neurophsychologists, physiatrists, speech therapists, and physical and occupational therapists.
Full recovery from cranial hematoma can be slow and sometimes painful. It is even possible that there would be no observable change in the patient’s physical condition despite all the therapy performed. And it could stay that way for several weeks or even months. But with patience, recovery will happen. And while waiting for it, the therapy, proper rest, and good diet all have to be continued. Support from family members and friends are going to help a lot. Getting professional psychological help throughout the ordeal is even better.
