Subdural Hematomas: What they are, Causes and Treatment
A subdural hematoma is a rupture of a vein located between the skull and the surface of the brain. Often, the vein involved is very small.
Subdural hematomas ordinarily result from a serious and traumatic head injury, and medical problems associated with that kind of injury usually present immediately. When they occur in this way, they are called acute subdural hematomas. Acute subdural hematomas are among the most catastrophic of brain injuries, sometimes resulting in death. Death occurs because the resulting bleeding rapidly compresses the brain. When death does not result, traumatic brain injury (TBI) often does[1].
While most subdural hematomas result from very serious head injuries, they can also arise from relatively minor ones, particularly in older people. When this happens, the minor injury may go unnoticed for some time. This kind of subdural hematoma is referred to as chronic. These, too, are traumatic brain injuries, result in brain bleeding and are very serious.
Sometimes, a subdural hematoma has no apparent cause. In those instances, it is no less of a traumatic brain injury. In fact, the acute care that is at first rendered is followed by rehabilitation, if possible. For that reason, individuals who present with subdural hematomas of unknown etiology can have far more difficult and challenging diagnoses to treat and to rehabilitate.Typically the individual will need the type of specialized programs and rehabilitation that NeuLife provides, that are tailored to each of our clients based on clinical needs and personal preferences.
Some of the symptoms associated with subdural hematomas include:
- Confused speech
- Difficulty with balance or walking
- Headache
- Lethargy or confusion
- Loss of consciousness
- Vomiting and nausea
- Numbness
- Seizures
- Slurred speech
- Visual disturbances
- Weakness
Because a subdural hematoma is an emergency, treatment must be obtained quickly. Often, surgery is needed to reduce pressure on the brain. This may involve drilling a small hole in the skull to allow blood drainage and to relieve pressure. If the hematoma is large or has clotted, a larger opening in the skull may be necessary to remove it, which is a procedure called a “craniotomy.” Medications are usually also needed to reduce brain swelling and to prevent seizures.
The prognosis for an individual with a subdural hematoma depends upon several factors:
- Type of hematoma (acute, chronic or one of unknown origin).
- Location of the hematoma
- Size of the collection of blood in the brain, and whether or not it has clotted
- How quickly treatment is obtained
Traumatic brain injuries from subdural hematomas, whether acute, chronic or resulting from undetermined causes, are catastrophic by their nature and demand a carefully designed continuum of care. The continuum must include acute and post-acute care. The goal of all of this is to provide care resulting in successful sustained outcomes and independence for individuals with even the most difficult and challenging diagnoses.
The professionals at NeuLife, including its team of neurologists, RNs and therapists are expert in the provision of innovative, clinically relevant services, including the development of a Client Goal Plan, and delivery of neurobehavioral and neurorehabilitative services. NeuLife’s goal is to provide post-acute care to its clients to achieve the best possible outcome for its clients. We focus on the achievement of personal fulfillment, increased independence and successful outcomes.
NeuLife, in Mount Dora, Florida, is a fully accessible residential post-acute program providing specialized rehabilitation to individuals diagnosed with traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injury (SCI), traumatic amputations and other catastrophic injuries.
2725 Robie Avenue
Mount Dora, Florida 32757
[1] MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, NIH National Institutes of Health
