Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesTreatment
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Treatment
A subdural hematoma describes a type of bleeding that causes irritation and pressure in the brain. It is sometimes also called a subdural hemorrhage.
Subdural hematomas happen in a region called the subdural space. The subdural space is the area between the surface of the brain and the dura, a layer of protective tissue located between the brain and the skull.
This article looks at the symptoms, causes, and treatment of subdural hematoma.
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Symptoms of a Subdural Hematoma
Most of the time, subdural hematomas are small or medium in size. These do not usually progress to the point where they cause severe symptoms. In some cases, however, a subdural hematoma can become large enough to push against the brain. This can cause significant neurological symptoms.
When symptoms do occur, they can vary depending on the hematoma’s size and location. Symptoms can include any combination of the following:
If a subdural hemorrhage involves significant amounts of blood, the pressure can cause a stroke.
In severe cases, significant pressure can lead to loss of consciousness or even death. This can happen if the blood is located near the brainstem, which controls breathing and other important automatic functions.
What Causes a Subdural Hematoma?
The bleeding may occur slowly, and might not produce severe symptoms right away. Symptoms may develop over time as the blood gradually puts increasing pressure on the brain.
It can also occur without a known cause.Blood thinnersmay increase the chances of subdural hematoma, especially in older adults.
A subdural hematoma that happens without an obvious cause is called a spontaneous hematoma.
Signs and Symptoms to Look for After Head Trauma
How Subdural Hematomas Are Treated
If your subdural hematoma does not require treatment, you should avoid strenuous activity while the blood is clearing up. This kind of activity could increase the risk of head trauma.
Sometimes, the blood must be removed through a surgical procedure such as:
During a burr hole procedure, the surgeon drills one or two holes in the skull and drains the hematoma through the dura.
During a craniotomy, the surgeon creates an opening in the skull and removes the blood with suction. Any remaining blood is flushed away and the skull fragment is replaced.
Summary
A subdural hematoma is bleeding that occurs in the space between the brain and the dura. It can be life-threatening if it is large and puts significant pressure on the brain. Symptoms may include dizziness, loss of consciousness, vision changes, and confusion, among others.
A Word From Verywell
A subdural hemorrhage is a significant medical problem, but most people experience good recovery. If you have had a subdural hemorrhage that requires surgical intervention, you might not experience complete recovery until a few months after your procedure.
As you are recovering, you may experience fatigue, headaches, or neurological symptoms that are expected to gradually improve.
3 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Aspegren OP, Åstrand R, Lundgren MI, Romner B.Anticoagulation therapy a risk factor for the development of chronic subdural hematoma.Clin Neurol Neurosurg. 2013;115(7):981-4. doi:10.1016/j.clineuro.2012.10.008National Library of Medicine.Subdural hematoma.Johns Hopkins Health.Burr holes.Additional ReadingCarroll JJ, Lavine SD, Meyers PM.Imaging of subdural hematomas,Neurosurg Clin N Am.2017;28(2):179-203. doi:10.1016/j.nec.2016.11.001
3 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Aspegren OP, Åstrand R, Lundgren MI, Romner B.Anticoagulation therapy a risk factor for the development of chronic subdural hematoma.Clin Neurol Neurosurg. 2013;115(7):981-4. doi:10.1016/j.clineuro.2012.10.008National Library of Medicine.Subdural hematoma.Johns Hopkins Health.Burr holes.Additional ReadingCarroll JJ, Lavine SD, Meyers PM.Imaging of subdural hematomas,Neurosurg Clin N Am.2017;28(2):179-203. doi:10.1016/j.nec.2016.11.001
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Aspegren OP, Åstrand R, Lundgren MI, Romner B.Anticoagulation therapy a risk factor for the development of chronic subdural hematoma.Clin Neurol Neurosurg. 2013;115(7):981-4. doi:10.1016/j.clineuro.2012.10.008National Library of Medicine.Subdural hematoma.Johns Hopkins Health.Burr holes.
Aspegren OP, Åstrand R, Lundgren MI, Romner B.Anticoagulation therapy a risk factor for the development of chronic subdural hematoma.Clin Neurol Neurosurg. 2013;115(7):981-4. doi:10.1016/j.clineuro.2012.10.008
National Library of Medicine.Subdural hematoma.
Johns Hopkins Health.Burr holes.
Carroll JJ, Lavine SD, Meyers PM.Imaging of subdural hematomas,Neurosurg Clin N Am.2017;28(2):179-203. doi:10.1016/j.nec.2016.11.001
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