What is the pathophysiology of subdural hematomas?
What is the pathophysiology of subdural hematomas?
An acute subdural hematoma (SDH) is a clot of blood that develops between the surface of the brain and the dura mater, the brain’s tough outer covering, usually due to stretching and tearing of veins on the brain’s surface. These veins rupture when a head injury suddenly jolts or shakes the brain.
What causes subdural hematoma in infants?
The bleeding is most often caused by a head injury, but there can be other causes. In a young child, even a minor injury can lead to a subdural hematoma. The buildup of blood inside the skull can put pressure on a child’s brain. This may cause symptoms, such as a severe headache, confusion, or seizures.
How do you classify a subdural hematoma?
Classification. Subdural hematomas are classified as acute, subacute, or chronic, depending on the speed of their onset. Acute bleeds often develop after high-speed acceleration or deceleration injuries. They are most severe if associated with cerebral contusions.
Can a baby be born with a subdural hematoma?
Although trauma is the commonest cause of SDH in infancy,1,3 subdural collections of blood, effusions or empyemas are seen following birth, meningitis, metabolic disorders and in association with haematological disorders. SDH may occur following instrumental deliveries and also after the normal birth process.
Is a SDH a TBI?
Because a subdural hematoma is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI), they share many symptoms. Symptoms of a subdural hematoma may appear immediately following trauma to the head, or they may develop over time – even weeks to months.
How serious is chronic subdural hematoma?
Yes, a subdural hematoma can be a serious event. Occasionally, the bleed is slow and the body is able to absorb the pooled blood. However, if the hematoma is severe, the buildup of blood can cause pressure on the brain. This pressure can lead to breathing problems, paralysis and death if not treated.
Can you recover from chronic subdural hematoma?
Chronic subdural hematomas that cause symptoms usually do not heal on their own over time. They often require surgery, especially when there are neurologic problems, seizures, or chronic headaches.
