Epidural Hematoma

What is?

Epidural Hematoma Is the buildup of blood occurs between the dura mater (the tough outer membrane of the central nervous system) and the skull. The dura mater also covers the spine, so epidural bleeds may also occur in the spinal column. An Epidural Hematoma is caused by bleeding between the inner skull wall and the outer membrane covering the brain, called the “dura mater” or “dura.”

Causes

The cause of Epidural Hematoma is usually traumatic. This is most often the result of a severe Head injury, such as those caused by motorcycle or automobile accidents. Epidural Hematoma can be caused by venous bleeding in young children. Rapid bleeding causes a collection of blood (hematoma) that presses on the brain, causing a rapid increase of the pressure inside the head (intracranial pressure), which may result in additional brain injury.

Symptoms

Head injury that results in even a brief loss of consciousness or if other symptoms are present after Head injury (even without loss of consciousness), followed by alertness, then loss of consciousness again may not appear in all people, but strongly indicates an Epidural Hematoma. Weakness of part of the body, usually on the opposite side from the side with the enlarged pupil. the symptoms usually occur within minutes to hours after a Head injury and indicate an emergency situation.

Treatment

Epidural Hematoma in adults do not require treatment because the blood is absorbed on its own. If a Epidural Hematoma is large and is causing symptoms such as persisting headache, fluctuating drowsiness, confusion, memory changes, and paralysis on the opposite side of the body, doctors usually drain it surgically by drilling a small hole in the skull. During surgery, a drain is usually inserted and left in place for several days, because Epidural Hematoma can recur. The person is monitored closely for recurrences. In infants, doctors usually drain the hematoma for cosmetic if for no other reasons.