Subdural Hematoma and How It Can Affect You

Subdural hematoma is a type of a brain injury that is caused by trauma. What actually happens is that blood starts to collect between the dura and the arachnoid. The dura is the outer layer of the brain, just beneath the skull. Arachnoid, on the other hand is the middle layer. A tear in the veins causes subdural hematoma, whereas its counterpart, cranial hematoma is caused by a tear in the brain’s arteries. And this significally shows that subdural hematoma can cause damage on brain tissues. And just like cranial hematoma, subdural hematoma is caused by severe head injuries. And this is the main reason why it is called traumatic. Subdural hematoma may also increase the intracranial pressure in the skull. And this, on its own, is considered a medical emergency.

Almost all patients with subdural hematoma had acquired their condition from a recent injury to their heads. And soon after the accident, they had lost their consciousness. Then after that, they had experienced episodes of either a constant or fluctuating headache.

The symptoms of subdural hematoma include seizure, numbness, dizziness, disorientation, lethargy, and nausea. Patients may also have temporary amnesia because of the blow their heads took. They may also show personality changes like being irritable or hotheaded. Some patients, on the other hand, suddenly find themselves unable to speak normally or begin to slur when they speak. Aside from all of these, ataxia, or simply difficulty in walking, is also noted. Some patients would have erratic breathing patterns and a deviated gaze. Deviated gaze would mean that their eyes have the tendency to move abnormally about.

Very young children and very old persons are at higher risk with this type of disease. And it is because both these groups of people do not have full control of their bodies. And so, they are likely to fall and hit their head in the process. It is also noted that as one ages, the veins in the brain becomes more vulnerable to damages. Other risk factors connected to this disease are chronic alcohol abuse and the use of anticoagulant medications, commonly called as blood thinners.

Neurological examination or a CT scan has to be performed to accurately diagnose subdural hematoma. Sometimes, an MRI scan of the brain is also conducted, as this method can effectively detect the extent of the disease.

The treatment of subdural hematoma is dependent on the damage sustained by the veins. If the damage is relatively small, regular monitoring is enough because mild subdural hematoma usually heals on its own. All doctors have to do is to make sure that the damage is indeed, healing and is not getting worse instead.
If the hematoma is quite large, craniotomy may be required. Craniotomy is the surgical operation of the brain. It involves opening the skull so that the blood clot can be removed. The blood clot, on the other hand, is taken out either through irrigation or suction. Craniotomy though, may have side effects, which includes brain edema, recurrent or new bleeding, infections, and seizures.

Preventing subdural hematoma is very possible. As much as possible, people are asked to avoid the risk factors associated with the illness. And aside from that, safety precautions have to be followed at all times. The wearing of helmets, hard hats, and seat belts are going to help a lot in preventing head injuries.

Most motor accidents cause sudden death on individuals because of the head injuries the victims had suffered. Research had shown that accidents are indeed the leading cause of death among people younger than 45 years old. This should emphasize that subdural hematoma is real and it can take lives. And so, safety should always be the main concern of everyone.