Extradural hematoma; Epidural hematoma

An extradural hemorrhage is an emergency condition! Treatment goals include taking measures to save the person's life, controlling symptoms, and minimizing or preventing permanent damage to the brain.

Life support measures may be required. Emergency surgery is almost always necessary to reduce pressure within the brain. This may include drilling a small hole in the skull to relieve pressure and allow drainage of the blood from the brain.

Large hematomas or solid blood clots may need to be removed through a larger opening in the skull (craniotomy).

Medications used in addition to surgery will vary according to the type and severity of symptoms and brain damage that occurs.

Anticonvulsant medications (such as phenytoin) may be used to control or prevent seizures. Some medications called "hyperosmotic agents" (like mannitol, glycerol, and hypertonic saline) may be used to reduce brain swelling.

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Review Date: 06/29/2010
Reviewed By: Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)