Subdural hematoma

Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Subdural hematoma Increased intracranial pressure

Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention

Subdural hematoma

• Recent injury or trauma to the head
• Loss of consciousness after original injury
• Headache, steady or fluctuating
• Weakness, numbness or inability to speak
• Slurred speech
• Nausea and vomiting
• Lethargy
• Seizures

In infants:

• Bulging fontanelles
• Increased head circumference
• Separated sutures
• Irritability
• High-pitched cry
• Focal seizures
• Generalized tonic-clonic seizure

Always seek medical attention following a significant head trauma or mental deterioration in the elderly. The evaluation should include a complete neurologic exam.

Any of the following may prompt the physician to order a brain imaging study:

• Signs of weakness
• Numbness
• Inability to speak
• Slurred speech
• Persistent headache
• Abnormal level of consciousness
• Recent intellectual deterioration in an elderly person, even in the absence of head injury)

A CT scan or MRI scan would likely be done to evaluate for the presence of a subdural hematoma.

Email this page  Printer friendly  Bookmark this page