Common questions / 27/03/2020

Can a subdural hematoma be spontaneous?

Spontaneous subdural hematoma is rare. The literature is limited to sporadic case reports. These cases often have an arterial source; they are usually associated with the same pathology as that involved in subarachnoid or intracerebral hemorrhage.

When to know if you have a subdural hematoma?

Subdural hematomas are named based on how fast they accumulate.  Acute subdural hematomas usually appear within 72 hours of a traumatic event. Subdural Hematoma (SDH): A guide for patients and families – 3 –  Subacute subdural hematomas are ones found within 3-7 days of an injury.

Can a patient with chronic subdural hematoma take blood thinners?

While a patient is healing from chronic subdural hematoma, blood thinners will be off limits, and the patient must take vigilant precautions to avoid hitting their head or experiencing any jarring motions.

What causes spontaneous subdural hematoma ( SDH ) in adults?

Subdural hematoma also can be caused by bleeding from intracranial tumors. The treatment of spontaneous subdural hematoma is similar to that of subdural hematoma caused by trauma, but the underlying cause must be sought and treated. Kotwica Z, Brzezinski J. Acute subdural haematoma in adults: an analysis of outcome in comatose patients.

How does a CAT scan show chronic subdural hematoma?

If a chronic subdual hematoma produces symptoms, it will almost always require surgical draining. The neurosurgeon will then “follow” the condition with CAT scans. The CAT scan will show how much blood and cerebral spinal fluid is still in the brain, and how old the blood is.

When does subdural hematoma appear after a head injury?

Symptoms are severe and appear right after a head injury, often within minutes to hours. Pressure on the brain increases quickly as the blood pools. If not diagnosed and treated quickly, you could lose consciousness, become paralyzed or even die. Subacute: Symptoms usually appear hours to days or even weeks after the head injury.

How long does it take for subacute hematoma to develop?

Generally, acute subdural hematomas are less than 72 hours old and are hyperdense compared with the brain on CT scans. The subacute phase begins 3-7 days after acute injury. Chronic subdural hematomas develop over the course of weeks and are hypodense compared with the brain.

Do you need surgery for a subdural hematoma?

Small subdural hematomas with mild symptoms may require no treatment beyond observation. Repeated head scans will likely be needed to monitor hematoma size and trends. Larger hematomas that produce increased pressure or brain shifting need urgent surgery for removal. There are three types of surgery used for removing hematomas.