Subdural Haemorrhage Flashcards
SDH
What are they most commonly caused by?
head injury
SDH
SDH can be acute or chronic.
What is a typical ACUTE presentation. Also name some associated features.
loss of consciousness / reduced GCS following a head injury
associated with headache, seizures, vomiting, or other acute neurological deficits.
SDH
SDH can be acute or chronic.
How does a CHRONIC SDH typically present?
4-8 weeks after a head injury
- gradual onset of headaches, cognitive decline, impaired consciousness and neurological deficits
SDH
Cerebral atrophy is a risk factor for SDHs, and as such, they are more common 3 demographics of people:
the elderly, people with dementia, and alcoholics
SDH
What is the key initial investigation of a SDH?
CT
SDH
Why might it be more difficult to diagnose a chronic SDH compared to an acute one?
fresh blood presents for obviously as a crescent shape around the cerebrum
SDH
In the management of chronic SDH, non-surgical treatment may include the use of ____ to reduce cerebral oedema – which would typically be ____.
In the management of chronic SDH, non-surgical treatment may include the use of steroids to reduce cerebral oedema – which would typically be 2mg of dexamethasone, three times a day, with appropriate proton pump inhibitor cover.
SDH
Patients who are likely candidates for surgery should be made ____, and hence intravenous fluids for hydration would also be indicated.
nil-by-mouth
SDH
Acute SDHs should be considered for ____ in order to expose the haematoma and allow evacuation and haemostasis of the bleed.
____ is a common complication, and lobectomy may be required for decompression.
emergency trauma craniotomy
Cerebral swelling
SDH
Surgical interventions for chronic SDH include ____ and ____.
burr-hole drainage and subdural drains.
