Acute Subdural Hematoma: Causes & Treatment

Acute Subdural Hematoma: Causes & Treatment

Acute Subdural Hematoma: Causes & Treatment Acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) is a serious brain injury. It happens when blood bleeds between the brain and a protective layer. This injury is often from a big head hit and can be very dangerous.

It’s important to spot the signs early. Look out for a bad headache, getting confused, and losing consciousness. Doctors use scans like CT or MRI to find out what’s happening.

How to treat it depends on how bad it is. Doctors might do surgery to fix the blood vessels or relieve pressure. For less severe cases, they might not need to operate. Getting the right treatment is key to helping the brain heal and saving lives.

---

Get Free Consultation

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

- Step 1 of 4

Select Your Gender *

• Woman
• Man

Next

Select Your Age

Age: 0

Next

When do you plan on getting The Treatment? *

• As Soon
• 3 Months
• 1 Year
• Only Info

Next

What is your name? *

Dropdown *Select Your TreatmentCheck-upEar Nose ThroatCardiovascular SurgeryMedical OncologyDentistryNutrition and DieteticsPediatricsDermatologyPhysical Therapy and RehabilitationGeneral SurgeryOphtalmologyInternal MedicineObstetrics and GynecologyWeight Loss SurgeryOrthopedics Traumatology and Sport InjuriesNeurologyNeurosurgeryRadiation OncologyEndoscopyCardiologyRadiologyUrologyOrgan TransplantationHematologyAesthetic Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryBone Marrow TransplantationIVF

Phone *

What is your email? *

Paragraph Text

Get Your Consultation

---

ACIBADEM Health Point: The Future of Healthcare

We believe that everyone deserves access to quality healthcare, which is why we have established multiple branches in strategic locations. Whether you're in need of routine check-ups, specialized treatments, or emergency care, ACIBADEM Health Point is here for you.

---

Understanding Acute Subdural Hematoma

An acute subdural hematoma happens within 24 hours after a head injury. It’s when blood gathers between the brain and a protective layer called the dura mater. Knowing about it and spotting the early signs is key to helping patients.

Definition and Overview

Acute subdural hematoma is a fast-developing condition that shows up quickly after a head injury. It’s when blood builds up and puts pressure on the brain. This can lead to serious symptoms and problems. Unlike other types, it needs quick medical help to avoid brain damage.

Importance of Early Diagnosis

Finding out about an acute subdural hematoma early is very important. Quick action is needed to stop serious problems. Doctors use special tools to see if there’s blood in the brain. Waiting too long can cause permanent brain damage, so acting fast is key.

Causes of Acute Subdural Hematoma

Acute subdural hematomas (ASDH) are serious medical issues. They often come from head injuries. But, they can also happen for other reasons.

Traumatic Brain Injury

One big reason for ASDH is a traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBI usually comes from accidents, falls, or fights. The blow to the head can make the brain move too much inside the skull.

This can tear veins that help hold the brain in place. This leads to a subdural hemorrhage.

Non-Traumatic Causes

Not all ASDH come from injuries. Some are caused by other things. For example, aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, and bleeding from anticoagulant drugs are big factors.

Anticoagulant drugs make it harder for blood to stop bleeding. This makes people more likely to get a subdural hemorrhage.

Drinking too much alcohol, being very old, and having blood clot problems can also cause ASDH without an injury. Knowing these causes helps us understand and prevent subdural hemorrhages.

Risk Factors for Acute Subdural Hematoma

Knowing what can cause ASDH helps us prevent and manage it better. Many things can make someone more likely to get ASDH. These include their age, health, and other factors.

Age and Gender

Getting older makes people more likely to get ASDH. This is because the brain can shrink and weaken with age. This makes the veins in the brain more likely to tear. Men are also more likely to get ASDH because they often get into more accidents.

• Elderly brain injury often leads to greater complications due to weaker brain tissues.
• Men are generally more likely to suffer from trauma-induced ASDH.

Medical Conditions

Some health issues can make getting ASDH more likely. People with blood clotting problems, liver disease, or who drink too much alcohol are at higher risk. Taking blood thinners can also make bleeding more likely. If someone has had a brain injury before, they are more likely to get ASDH again.

Symptoms of Acute Subdural Hematoma

Knowing the signs of an acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) is key for quick action. These signs are split into early warnings and severe symptoms. Each one shows a different stage and seriousness of the condition.

Early Warning Signs

Spotting subdural hematoma signs early can really help. Look out for these early symptoms:

• Headache: A headache that doesn’t go away or gets worse is a sign.
• Confusion and Dizziness: Feeling confused and dizzy can mean a brain injury.
• Nausea and Vomiting: These signs often come with a headache and mean pressure in the brain is rising.
• Drowsiness: Being very sleepy or tired can also be a warning that shouldn’t be ignored.

Severe Symptoms

As the bleeding gets worse and puts more pressure on the brain, symptoms get more serious. These serious signs need quick medical help. They include:

• Loss of Consciousness: Losing consciousness suddenly or for a long time is a big warning of a serious brain injury.
• Seizures: Seizures can happen because of too much pressure in the brain.
• Weakness on One Side of the Body: This means the brain is under a lot of pressure or damaged.
• Slurred Speech: Trouble speaking clearly could mean a severe brain injury.
• Coma: In the worst cases, people might fall into a coma because of big brain damage.

Spotting these signs early and getting quick medical help can really change the outcome for people with an acute subdural hematoma.

Diagnosis of Acute Subdural Hematoma

Diagnosing acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) needs a careful medical check-up. First, doctors take a detailed medical history. They also do a full physical exam, focusing on the brain and nervous system.

Medical History and Physical Examination

Doctors start by asking about your medical history. They look for things that might make you more likely to get ASDH. Then, they check how your brain and nerves are working during a neurological exam.

This exam looks for signs of high pressure in the skull and other problems. It helps doctors see if a hematoma might be there.

Imaging Tests

Imaging tests are key to finding ASDH. A CT scan is often the first step because it’s quick and shows blood inside the skull well. But, an MRI brain scan gives more detailed pictures, which is good for seeing brain injuries.

If a patient’s state of awareness changes, doctors might use intracranial pressure monitoring. This helps them keep an eye on and manage the pressure inside the skull.

Treatment Options for Acute Subdural Hematoma

When you have acute subdural hematoma (ASDH), getting the right treatment fast is key. There are two main ways to treat it: surgery and non-surgery. The choice depends on how bad the condition is and your overall health.

Surgical Interventions

Surgery is often needed to fix ASDH. It helps lower the pressure in the brain and gets rid of the blood clot. There are two main surgeries:

• Craniotomy: This is when a part of the skull is removed to get to the brain. It’s used for big blood clots or when you need to act fast to ease brain pressure.
• Burr Hole Surgery: This is a smaller surgery. It makes small holes in the skull to drain the blood and lower pressure. It’s for smaller blood clots that can’t be reached easily with craniotomy.

Non-Surgical Treatments

If surgery is too risky or the blood clot is small, you might not need surgery. These treatments watch and manage symptoms instead:

• Close Observation: For small blood clots, you’ll be watched closely with tests and checks on your brain health to make sure it doesn’t get worse.
• Conservative Management: This means watching you closely and treating your symptoms. You might get medicine for pain or to stop seizures.
• Steroid Use in ASDH: Steroids can be given to help with brain swelling and reduce inflammation in some ASDH cases.

Choosing between surgery and non-surgery depends on your specific situation. Here’s a quick look at the main treatment options:

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Getting better from an acute subdural hematoma takes a lot of work. It includes different kinds of therapy that fit what each patient needs. Neurorehabilitation is key in helping patients get back to living a good life.

Patients get a mix of therapies to help with many challenges. This mix often includes cognitive therapy to help with thinking and memory. Physical therapy works on making patients stronger and more mobile. And occupational therapy helps with daily tasks, making patients more independent.

Some patients also need speech and language therapy if they have trouble talking after the injury. Each treatment plan is made just for the patient. A team of experts watches the patient’s progress and changes the plan as needed.

Recovery times can be very different for each person. Some might get better fast, while others need more time and help. But, using all these therapies together is key to getting better. Neurorehabilitation, cognitive therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy help patients live better lives.

Prognosis and Long-term Outlook

The chance of getting better from acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) depends on many things. These include the size and spot of the bleed, the patient’s age, how fast and well they get medical help, and their health before the injury. Knowing how these things work together helps us understand recovery chances and long-term effects.

Factors Influencing Recovery

Many things affect how well ASDH patients can recover. Quick surgery is key, especially for big bleeds, to stop more brain damage. Being younger helps with recovery, as younger people’s brains can heal better. Being healthy before the injury also helps, as it means fewer problems and a better recovery path.

Living with Long-term Effects

Surviving ASDH can lead to lasting effects that change life quality. People may struggle with thinking, moving, and behavior changes. Getting support from rehab and ongoing medical care is key to dealing with these issues. Rehab helps people get back on their feet, making life better and more independent.

Prevention of Acute Subdural Hematoma

Not all acute subdural hematomas can be stopped. But, we can lower the risk with safety steps and medical care. This part talks about how to prevent head injuries.

Safety Measures

It’s key to use safety gear to cut down head injury risks. Here are some ways to stay safe:

• Helmet Use: Always wear helmets when biking, skateboarding, or playing contact sports. Helmets help protect your brain from big injuries.
• Fall Prevention in the Elderly: Help older people by putting in handrails, using non-slip mats, and making sure the place is well-lit. They should also do exercises to keep their strength and balance.

Medical Interventions

Doctors have ways to help prevent acute subdural hematomas too. This is especially true for people on blood thinners or who have had head injuries before:

• Anticoagulant Management: Doctors need to watch closely how much blood thinner you take. They might check your blood often to make sure it’s safe.
• Regular Medical Check-ups: If you’re at higher risk, seeing the doctor often is key. Stay away from things that could hurt your head.

Using safety gear and getting medical help are both important to stop acute subdural hematomas. Making sure to prevent head injuries, wear helmets, help older people avoid falls, and manage blood thinners right can make everyone safer and healthier.

Hematoma Subdural Agudo: Why It’s Critical to Seek Immediate Treatment

Acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) is a serious injury that needs quick help. Getting emergency medical care right away is key to avoid big brain damage or death. Spotting the signs early and acting fast can really help the patient get better.

ASDH is a big deal in critical care neurology. It’s an emergency that needs fast action. Quick and good treatment can lead to better recovery. Waiting too long can cause more brain damage and harm.

Doctors and emergency teams are key in saving lives from ASDH. It’s important to know the signs of brain injury like bad headaches, confusion, and not being awake. If you see these signs, get help fast. This can really improve the chances of living a good life after the injury.