Subdural hematoma & bull; hello healthy

Definition

What is a subdural hematoma?

Subdural hematoma or also called subdural hemorrhage is a condition in which blood accumulates between 2 layers in the brain: the arachnoidal layer and the dura or meningeal layer. This condition can be acute alias occur suddenly, or chronic alias appear slowly. Hematoma (collection of blood) that is very large or acute can cause high pressure inside the skull. As a result, there can be compression and damage to brain tissue. This condition can be life threatening.

How common is a subdural hematoma?

Subdural hematoma is common in people with trauma to the head, especially in children and the elderly. Long-term alcohol abuse also carries a higher risk of subdural hematoma from accidents or falls. This condition can occur in patients of any age. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of a subdural hematoma?

The symptoms of a subdural hematoma depend on how serious your injury is, and the size and location of the hematoma. Symptoms can appear immediately or several weeks after the injury. Some people look fine the first time (lucid interval) after injury. However, pressure on the brain can then cause:

• Loss or change in level of consciousness
• Gag
• Headache
• Dizzy
• Disorientation
• Talk rambling
• Amnesia
• Seizures
• Personality changes
• Abnormal breathing
• Difficulty walking
• Weakness on one side of the body.

Chronic and subacute hematomas often cause headaches, weakness, slow thinking, speech problems, impaired mobility, and confusion.

If this condition occurs in a baby, symptoms can include:

• The prominent fontanelle (the soft part of the baby's skull)
• Difficulty eating
• Seizures
• Enlarged head circumference
• Always look sleepy, aka lethargy
• Easy to get angry
• Continuous vomiting.

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

Intracranial hematoma can be life threatening. Emergency medical treatment is often required.

You should contact your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• • You lose consciousness

• You experience signs and symptoms that suggest an intracranial hematoma.

If you have any signs or symptoms above or any other questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.

Cause

What are the causes of a subdural hematoma?

Subdural hematoma is usually the result of a serious head injury. The hemorrhage fills the brain area rapidly, compresses brain tissue and causes an acute subdural hematoma.

Subdural hematomas can also occur after very minor head injuries, especially in the elderly, because veins are often stretched due to brain atrophy (shrinkage) and are more prone to injury. This condition may go unnoticed for several days to weeks and is called a "chronic" subdural hematoma.

Risk factors

What increases my risk for subdural hematoma?

There are many risk factors for subdural hematoma, namely:

• Anticoagulant drugs (blood thinners, such as aspirin)
• Long-term alcohol abuse
• A medical condition that causes blood to clot badly
• Fell many times
• Repeated head injuries
• Very young or very old

Having no risk factors doesn't mean you can't get a subdural hematoma. The above factors are for reference only. You should consult a doctor for more details.

Medicines & Medicines

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How is a subdural hematoma diagnosed?

The doctor can make a diagnosis by listening to the heartbeat. Blood that flows abnormally through the mitral valve and produces a sound is called a murmur. The doctor can hear the sound of the murmur with the help of a stethoscope. The timing and location of the murmur helps the doctor know which valve is affected. A cardiac sonogram (echodiogram) can confirm the diagnosis. Other tests can include a chest x-ray and electrocardiography (ECG).

How to treat subdural hematoma?

If you have mild to moderate mitral valve stenosis without symptoms, your doctor will recommend that you have regular check-ups to see if the mitral valve is developing.

Treatment depends on the results, symptoms, size and location of the hematoma, and whether the hematoma is acute or chronic.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat a subdural hematoma?

Here are lifestyle and home remedies that can help you treat a subdural hematoma:

• Carry out regular checks to follow the progress of your disease and health conditions.
• Follow doctor's instructions.
• Maintain healthy teeth. Brush and floss your teeth and visit the dentist regularly.
• Change your diet. Limit your salt intake.
• Maintain a healthy body weight.
• Cut down on caffeine consumption.
• Get some exercise.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.