Subdural Hematoma
Alternate Names : Subdural Hemorrhage
DefinitionA 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.
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Overview, Causes, & 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
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