Sign up for our newsletter

Subdural Hemorrhage

Subdural Hemorrhage is when there is bleeding into a specific area around the Brain.

The bleeding occurs between the Dura mater and the Inner meningeal layer. This condition is fundamentally different than Epidural Hemorrhage which is a tear in the artery that leads to bleeding in the brain.

Typically Subdural hemorrhage is a tear in the veins found in the subdural space. There is an increase in the intracranial pressure that is commonly seen and this has potentially serious consequences.

Subdural Hemorrhage can be caused by trauma and in some cases can lead to one specific type of Stroke called a Hemorrhagic Stroke.

Subdural bleeding (Hemorrhage) is more commonly seen than Epidural Hemorrhage (which is quite rare)

Shaken baby syndrome is a condition where trauma leads to tearing in the brain or Subdural Hemorrhage.

Symptoms:

–  Nausea
–  Vomiting
–  Headache
–  Dizziness
–  Loss of consciousness
–  Pain
–  Change in personality
–  Change in movement and speech
–  Confusion
–  Changes in vision
–  Weakness
–  Abnormal movement of eyes
–  Seizures
–  Anger
–  others

****Symptoms can take 2 weeks to be seen – depending on the size of bleed and location

*** However, symptoms may show up within 24 hours

Diagnosis

1.)  Physical exam is essential

2.)  Pupillary changes can be seen

3.)  CT and MRI are essential

4.)  Neurological examination is important

Treatment

1.)  Monitoring [watch and wait – only on very small bleeds]

2.)  Craniotomy

3.)  Neurosurgery

4.)  Repair of vessels