What is subdural bleeding?

Subdural bleeding (SDH), also known as subdural hematoma, is a condition in which blood is collected under the skull between the membrane that covers the brain - dura - and the brain itself. It is a very serious medical emergency that can result in brain damage or death in a short period of time. The accumulation of blood exerts pressure on the brain and can seriously hurt it. There is effective treatment if a person suffering from subdural hematoma quickly gets into a medical facility. There are basically two types of subdural bleeding: acute or chronic. Acute subdural bleeding usually occurs after the main trauma of the head and the bleeding is heavy and fast. This can quickly become deadly. Chronic subdural bleeding may occur even after a minor head injury and can sometimes be unnoticed for days or weeks. This condition is particularly common in elderly, because veins in the subdural area are easier to be damaged in people over 60 years.Head trauma should be medically evaluated.

signs of subdural bleeding include loss or partial loss of consciousness, confusion and drowsiness, sudden headaches, personality changes or impaired vision, speech or mobility. Bleeding can be confirmed by scanning brain display, such as scanning computer tomography (CT) or scanning of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Older infants, alcoholics, people who regularly use aspirin or other blood thinners, people with blood disorders, and people who have suffered repeated head injuries are exposed to an increased risk of subdural bleeding.

The treatment of this condition involves drilling small holes into the skull to release blood from the subdural area and reduce the pressure on the brain. Craniotomy, which involves removing part of the skull, may be Necessary for large or heavily knocked hematomas. It will be necessary to stop any ongoing bleeding and maybe prescribed anti -inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling around the brain. Some chronic hematomas may not need surgery if blood flow is very slow and light, but every patient who has suffered this type of bleeding must be carefully observed for deterioration.

If treated quickly and the brain itself was not injured, patients who have suffered subdural bleeding can fully recover without permanent brain damage. Some patients continue to have headaches, memory problems, seizures or other symptoms that develop very much in severity. The prognosis is better for chronic subdural hematoma, because the brain is less pressure with a slower blood accumulation; In both types, however, the view becomes worse, the longer the condition is not treated.