Extradural Haematoma Flashcards
How can intracranial haemorrhages be classified?
- Intra-axial
- Extra-axial
What is an intra-axial haemorrhage?
Within the brain parenchyma
What is an extra-axial haemorrhage?
Outside the brain
What type of intracranial haemorrhage is an extradural haematoma?
Extra-axial
What is an extradural haematoma?
An extra-axial bleed occurring between the dura and skull bone
What % of head injuries in ED are extradural haematomas?
2%
Why are extradural haematomas significant?
They are associated with significant morbidity and mortality especially with advancing age
When do extradural haematomas typically occur?
Following blunt force head trauma resulting in a linear skull fracture
Fractures of which part of the skull most commonly result in extradural haematoma?
Parieto-temporal region
What events most commonly precipitate extradural haematoma?
RTAs, assault, falls
What is the most common source of bleeding in an extradural haematoma?
Middle meningeal artery
What % of extradural haematomas involve bleeding from the middle meningeal artery?
85%
Fractures in what region of the skull most commonly lead to damage of the middle meningeal artery?
Pterion
What branch of the middle meningeal artery lies below the pterion?
Anterior branch
What are some less common causes of extradural haematoma?
- Diploic vein bleeds
- Vascular malformations
- Infective pathology
What are the risk factors for extradural haematoma?
- Male gender
- 20-30
- High risk behaviours