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How serious is extradural hematoma?
An epidural hematoma (EDH) can be a life-threatening condition. It usually requires immediate treatment or can cause brain damage or possibly death if left untreated. An EDH results in death in up to 15% of cases.
How do you know if you have an epidural hematoma?
Headache (severe) Head injury or trauma followed by loss of consciousness, a period of alertness, then rapid deterioration back to unconsciousness. Nausea or vomiting. Weakness in part of the body, usually on the opposite side from the side with the enlarged pupil.
What is the main source of bleeding in extradural hematomas?
The source of bleeding is usually arterial, most commonly from a torn middle meningeal artery. EDHs are typically biconvex in shape and can cause a mass effect with herniation. They are usually limited by cranial sutures, but not by venous sinuses.
Can a hematoma cause permanent damage?
If you have a subdural hematoma, your prognosis depends on your age, the severity of your head injury and how quickly you received treatment. About 50% of people with large acute hematomas survive, though permanent brain damage often occurs as a result of the injury.
How quickly does an epidural hematoma form?
Symptoms of an epidural hematoma can develop rapidly after an injury or slowly over the course of several hours. The time it takes for symptoms to develop depends on the severity of the injury and how quickly blood is filling into the lining between the brain and skull.
How is an extradural hematoma treated?
The blood clot may clear (re-absorb) by itself. However, surgery is generally needed to treat a large intracranial extradural haematoma. This involves removal of the haematoma. Most commonly, surgery either involves making ‘burr holes’ (small, in the skull) or an operation called a craniotomy.
How do you treat an extradural hematoma?
What is a extradural haematoma?
An extradural haematoma is a collection of blood within the extradural space in the skull. The extradural space is a ‘potential space’ between the bones of the skull and the dura (the layer covering the brain), which is usually attached to the under surface of the bone.
What does a hematoma feel like?
It happens when an injury causes blood to collect and pool under the skin. The pooling blood gives the skin a spongy, rubbery, lumpy feel.
How long does a haematoma take to go away?
The swelling and pain of the hematoma will go away. This takes from 1 to 4 weeks, depending on the size of the hematoma. The skin over the hematoma may turn bluish then brown and yellow as the blood is dissolved and absorbed. Usually, this only takes a couple of weeks but can last months.
How long does it take to recover from an epidural hematoma?
It is likely recovery from an epidural hematoma will take months or even years. In many cases, initial improvements happen within about 6 months after the injury. There are several steps a person can take at home to aid recovery.