Subdural Haemorrhage Flashcards
1
Q
Define subdural haemorrhage
A
Collection of blood that develops between the dura mater and arachnoid mater
• Acute <72h
• Subacute 3-20 days
• Chronic >21 days
2
Q
What are the causes/risk factors of subdural haemorrhage?
A
Rapid acceleration and deceleration of brain -> shearing forces which tear bridging veins
• Trauma
• Coagulopathy
• Anticoagulant use
3
Q
What are the symptoms of subdural haemorrhage?
A
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Confusion
- Cognitive changes
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizure
- Faecal/urinary incontinence
- Localised weakness
- Sensory changes
- Speech or vision changes
- Gait deterioration
4
Q
What are the signs of subdural haemorrhage?
A
• Reduced GCS • Ipsilateral fixed dilated pupil (surgical 3rd nerve palsy due to large haematoma -> midline shift) • Reduced consciousness • Bradycardia • 3rd or 6th nerve palsy • Papilloedema • Hemiparesis
5
Q
What investigations are carried out for subdural haemorrhage?
A
• CT - standard for initial evaluation of all patients with potential intracranial trauma/haematoma. The subdural fluid collection is usually crescent in shape and can cross suture lines. The age of the haematoma determines density of lesion
