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Subdural hematoma
Subdural hematoma
Increased intracranial pressure
Increased intracranial pressure
OverviewSymptomsTreatmentPrevention

Subdural hematoma

Definition:
A subdural hematoma is a collection of blood on the surface of the brain. It lies beneath the outer covering (the dura) of the brain and the brain's surface.

Alternative Names:
Subdural hemorrhage

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Subdural hematomas are most frequently the result of a head injury. They can occur spontaneously in the elderly, but this is less common. Traumatic subdural hematomas are among the most lethal of all head injuries.

Subdural hematomas are seen in approximately 15% of all head traumas. Tiny "bridging veins" that run between the surface of the brain and its outer covering (dura) stretch and tear, allowing blood to collect. These veins rupture because of the sudden change in velocity of the head during the trauma.

Acute, subacute, and chronic are all adjectives used to describe subdural hematomas and reflect the time course of the collection of blood. Traumatic acute subdural hematomas carry the highest risk to the patient, with a mortality rate of greater than 50% in most studies.

Risks include:

  • Head injury
  • Very young or very old age
  • Anticoagulant medication (blood thinners)
  • Chronic alcohol use


Review Date: 11/16/2002
Reviewed By: Elaine T. Kiriakopoulos, M.D., M.Sc., Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard University, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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