Epidural Hematoma

Epidural hematoma is a serious medical condition that occurs due to the accumulation of blood between the skull and dura mater (the outermost membrane of the brain), often developing after trauma.

Characteristics

• It usually occurs following a blow to the head.

• The most common cause is arterial bleeding, particularly the rupture of the middle meningeal artery.

• The accumulation of blood grows rapidly, applying pressure on brain tissue.

Symptoms

• A brief loss of consciousness may be followed by a "lucid interval" (temporary improvement), after which consciousness deteriorates again.

• Severe headache

• Nausea, vomiting

• Changes in consciousness

• Pupil dilation (anisocoria) and lateral deviation

• Hemiplegia (loss of strength on one side of the body)

Diagnosis

• CT Scan (Computed Tomography): Epidural hematomas typically appear as a biconvex (lens-shaped) hyperdense area under the skull.

Treatment

• Emergency surgery: The hematoma is drained through a craniotomy, and the bleeding vessels are controlled.

• Small, asymptomatic hematomas may sometimes be monitored.

Outcome

• With quick diagnosis and treatment, full recovery is possible. Delayed intervention can be fatal.