Extradural Haematoma

Question 1

Extradural Haematoma Epidemiology

Answer 1

• Occurs in 2% of all head injuries
• More common in men
• Rare in children because of the plasticity of the skull

Question 2

Extradural Haematoma Aetiology

Answer 2

• Usually due to fractured temporal or parietal bone damaging the middle meningeal artery or vein,
• Typically caused by trauma to temple just behind the eye
• Can occur in spine after epidural/LP

Question 3

Extradural Haematoma Presentation

Answer 3

• Usually a history of trauma that causes loss of consciousness
• Classically followed by a lucid interval after which patient deteriorates
• Headache, vomiting, seizures, bradycardia with or without hypertension
• May also have traumatic cervical spine injury
• Cord compression

Question 4

Extradural Haematoma Differentials

Answer 4

-Often intoxicated

Question 5

Extradural Haematoma Ix

Answer 5

• FBCs, U&Es, platelets and coag
• X ray for skull fracture
• X ray for odontoid peg
• CT
• Avoid LP

Question 6

Extradural Haematoma Management

Answer 6

• No intervention required for small EDH
• A-E
• Reduce ICP (mannitol/hypertonic saline)
• Surgery

Question 7

Extradural Haematoma Complications

Answer 7

• Neuro deficit, death
• Seizures
• Post-concussion syndrome