Hematoma

The brain is protected by fluid that prevents it from being injured during everyday activities and movements. In situations where the fluid isn’t able to adequately absorb force - such as those that result from a hard blow or a quick stop - the brain is knocked against the interior of the skull and becomes bruised.  This causes something called an intercranial hematoma which is a brain injury. There are three types of intercranial hematomas: subdural hematoma, epidural hematoma, and intraparenchymal hematoma.

Causes of Hematoma

The most common cause of intercranial hematoma is injury to the head. This can occur from a motorcycle accident, car accident, or other traumatic accident in which the brain experiences force as a result of a blow to the head or a quick stop. Mild head trauma can also cause hematoma, but mostly among older adults.

Signs and Symptoms of Hematoma

Signs and symptoms can occur immediately after a head trauma, or can take as long as days or weeks to show up. The symptoms show up as the pressure on the brain increases. Common signs and symptoms include:

  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Vomiting
  • Weakness in limbs on one side of the body
  • Dilated pupils
  • Confusion
  • Slurred speech

Prognosis for Hematoma

Hematoma often requires surgery. Victims of hematoma may experience attention issues, emotional issues, amnesia, and headache for some time following treatment. Recovery depends upon many factors, including the severity of the hematoma a well as when it was discovered and treated, and can sometimes be incomplete. Most adults can expect to see the majority of their recovery within six months, while children recover faster and more completely than adults.