What is chronic subdural hematoma?
Subdural hematoma is the accumulation of blood under the dura mater, which is an outer brain cover. This condition occurs when the bridged veins that run between the surface of the brain and the dura mater begin to leak or bleed, often after being stretched or excessive force has been developed. Chronic subdural hematoma suggests that blood has begun to collect more than 21 days before. Another most common type of subdural hematoma is acute subdural hematoma, in which the bleeding first began less than 72 hours of the previous. Many symptoms of chromic subdural hematomas are very similar to symptoms in other conditions. Symptoms may include anxiety, depression, loss of memory and confusion, often imitating symptoms of dementia. Fits and persistent headaches are also common.
Many symptoms can cause further complications. For example, someone who has this condition may have difficulty swallowing, which can cause suffocation and aspiration. Weakness in the limbs can lead to poor mobility and increase the risk of falling and gavethe neck injury. Confusion and changed mental state may lead to poor judgment, which increases the risk of injury and poor decision -making.
Chronic subdural hematoma requires surgical intervention and will not be treated without help, because blood collection has nowhere to go. The procedure to treat this condition is known as craniotomy. The procedure includes the creation of a small hole in the skull and discharge of accumulated blood. Operation and untreated condition bear the risk of permanent brain damage, but the risk is much greater in cases where chronic subdural hematoma is not treated.
chronic subdural hematoma often caused by a trauma of the head is more often in people over 60 years. In natural aging, the brain may decrease or atrophy, which means that the surface of the brain is shrinking, leaving a larger gap between the dura mater and the brain surface. The bridged veins are then stretched firmly, with greater force on them develop a greater threat of leakage and formation hematomaU S and small trauma head.
People using anticoagulant drugs are exposed to an increased risk of chronic subdural hematoma because the blood is not able to be knocked so effectively if the bridging of the vein begins to escape. In infants, subdural hematoma is often caused by trauma or abuse, such as a shaken child syndrome. Other people with a higher risk of developing chronic subdural hematoma include people with long -term abuse of alcohol and addictive substances.