Subdural, Extradural And Subarachnoid Haemorrhages Flashcards
Where does blood pool in an extradural haemorrhage?
Between the periosteal layer of the dura mater and the periosteum
What vessel is most likely to have been damaged in an extradural haemorrhage?
Middle meningeal artery
What is a common history from a patient with a sub dural haemorrhage?
A blow to the side of the head, lucid interval then rapid deterioration
How does a extradural haemorrhage appear on a CT scan?
Bright white semicircle shape pinched at fissure and bulging inbetween
Where does blood pool in a sub dural haemorrhage?
In between the meningeal dural layer and arachnoid mater
What vessel is usually damaged to cause a sub dural haemorrhage?
A bridging vein
Why can sub dural haemorrhages occur in elderly with a less forceful blow to the head?
As the brain shrinks with age this puts more tension on the bridging veins
What is the usual history of a patient with a sub dural haemorrhage?
Blow to the head, lucid interval then gradual deterioration
What does a sub dural haemorrhage look like on a CT scan?
bright white crescent shaped
Where does blood collect in a subarachnoid haemorrhage?
In the subarachnoid space between the pia mater and arachnoid mater
What vessels are usually damaged to cause a subarachnoid haemorrhage?
Cerebral ateries often in the area of the circle of Willis
What is the mortality rate like for a patient with a subarachnoid haemorrhage?
High risk of mortality
What investigations could you do to confirm a subarachnoid haemorrhage?
CT scan and lumbar puncture (blood mixed within CSF)
Why do the symptoms with a subarachnoid haemorrhage have a sudden onset when sub/extradural haemorrhages have delayed onset?
Subarachnoid haemorrhages are due to arterial damage so blood pools and collects at a much quicker rate than the venous blood in the other two haemorrhages
