Subdural Haemorrhage Flashcards
Where is a subdural haemorrhage found?
between the dura mater and the arachnoid mater of the brain
What is the most common cause of a subdural haemorrhage?
trauma (specifically to the temporal side of the head)
The rupture of which vessels tend to cause subdural haemorrhages?
bridging veins
Give 4 risk factors for subdural haemorrhage:
1) history of trauma
2) comorbidities that make a patient vulnerable to falls (dementia, delirium)
3) increasing age
4) anticoagulant use
Give 7 symptoms associated with subdural haemorrhage:
1) headache
2) nausea/ vomiting
3) confusion
4) drowsiness
5) poor balance
6) weakness
7) paraesthesia or numbness
What two additional blood tests are indicated for a suspected subdural haemorrhage?
1) coagulation screen
2) Group and save (so a blood transfusion can be used later if indicated)
What is the gold standard imaging technique for any suspected intracranial bleed?
non-contrast CT
How does a subdural haemorrhage appear on CT?
crescent-shaped collection of blood
Give the 3 steps of initial management of subdural haemorrhages:
1) ABCDE approach
2) reverse any coagulation screen abnormalities
3) give an anticonvulsant to prevent seizures
Give two examples of anticonvulsants:
1) phenytoin
2) levetiracetam
What surgery is used for moderate subdural haemorrhages?
trauma craniotomy (a small opening in the skull to evacuate blood and reduce intracranial pressure)
What surgery is used for large subdural haemorrhages?
hemicraniectomy (temporarily removing a part of the skull to reduce pressure that may cause brains stem herniation and death)
