A subdural hematoma occurs when blood vessels between the brain and its outermost membrane rupture, causing leaking blood that results in compression of the brain tissue. Subdural hemotomas are classified as acute, characterized by immediate signs and symptoms; subacute, characterized by symptoms that appear within several hours; and chronic, characterized by signs and symptoms take days or even months to appear.
Signs of subdural hematoma include:
If the condition goes undiagnosed and more blood causes additional brain tissue compression, more severe signs and symptoms include:
Treatment for hematoma often includes surgery. In some cases, very small subdural hematomas that don’t produce signs or symptoms don’t have to be removed. Medications designed to reduce and control swelling in the brain are also used.
Degree and rate of recovery varies from patient to patient, depending upon the severity of the subdural hematoma, as well as how quickly it was discovered and treated. As a general rule of thumb adults experience most of their recovery within six months, while children recover more quickly and more completely. Seizure, which can most often be controlled with medication, is a common long-term complication.