Subdural Haematoma

Question 1

what is subdural haematoma

Answer 1

collection of blood that develops between the arachnoid and dura mater

Question 2

layers of the meninges from innermost to outermost

Answer 2

pia mater, arachnoid layer and dura mater

Question 3

classification of acute, subacute and chronic subdural haematoma

Answer 3

acute <72 hours

subacute 3-20 days

chronic >20 days

Question 4

aetiology of subdural haematoma

Answer 4

trauma

Question 5

is epidural or subdural haematoma more common

Answer 5

subdural is more common

Question 6

risk factors

Answer 6

advancing age, bleeding disorders, anticoagulant therapy, chronic alcohol use and recent trauma

Question 7

when does subdural haematoma produce symptoms/ present

Answer 7

subacute to chronic phase; more 3-20 days or >3 weeks

Question 8

presenting symptoms of subdural haematoma

Answer 8

headache, nausea, vomiting, confusion, cognitive impairment, psychiatric symptoms, focal weakness, seizures

Question 9

signs of subdural haematoma on physical examination

Answer 9

reduced GCS, focal neurological signs

Question 10

investigations for subdural haematoma

Answer 10

CT head and MRI brain

subdural hematomas are classically crescent-shaped, with a concave surface away from the skul

Question 11

management of subdural haematoma

Answer 11

Burr hole, or craniotomy and drainage

Question 12

complication of subdural haematoma and the treatment

Answer 12

raised ICP; can be treated with osmotic diuresis