California Subdural Hematoma Lawyers
Subdural Hematomas
A subdural hematoma is a type of traumatic brain injury that is often life-threatening, and may result in permanent brain damage and physical or mental disability, or a combination of both. A subdural hematoma may also be called a subdural hemorrhage.
What is a Subdural Hematoma?
By definition, a hematoma is a collection of blood under the skin. A hematoma may form in a tissue, organ or any other body location outside of a blood vessel. "Subdural" refers to the collection of blood being below the dura. The dura mater is a tough, fibrous covering that surrounds the brain. It is the outermost of the three membranes (the dura mater, the arachnoid mater, and the pia mater - together called the meninges). The second membrane is the arachnoid mater. A subdural hematoma is a collection of blood between the dura mater and the arachnoid mater.
Hematoma Classification: Acute Subacute and Chronic Bleeds
Depending on the speed of onset, or how fast an injury bleeds, subdural hematomas are classified as acute, subacute or chronic. Acute hemorrhages develop most often from trauma and are often caused by high-speed acceleration and deceleration injuries. Acute subdural hematomas have a mortality rate of around 60-80%. This mortality rate is higher than the rate of mortality of diffuse axonal injuries and epidural hematomas, two other very serious brain injuries. Acute bleeds are often also associated with cerebral contusions, a bruise of the brain tissue that may cause a dangerous rise in intracranial pressure.
A chronic subdural hemorrhage is much less serious because it progresses much more slowly. Most chronic subdural hematomas either stop themselves or will be treated before causing significant damage. Chronic subdural hematomas are common injuries in elderly adults, very young children, and people taking anticoagulant drugs or others with more fragile veins. In 50% of patients, the cause of a chronic subdural hemorrhage is not identifiable.
A subacute hemorrhage is not as abrupt as an acute bleed, but not as long as the onset of a chronic hemorrhage.
Symptoms of a Subdural Hematoma
Symptoms of a subdural hematoma may be delayed minutes, hours, or even days, because the veins in the subdural mater bleed more slowly than arteries. If a hemorrhage is large enough to apply pressure to the brain, increased intracranial pressure (ICP) may cause permanent brain damage. A recent head injury is the most common symptom of a subdural hematoma. Symptoms of a possible subdural hematoma may include loss of consciousness, seizures, headache, disorientation, dizziness, slurred speech, blurred vision, abnormal eye movement, memory loss, weakness or lethargy, vomiting (with or without nausea).
Diagnosis and Treatment
Subdural hematomas are usually diagnosed with a CT Scan or MRI scan. With any suspected head injury, patients are urged to seek medical care (including a neurological examination and appropriate imaging tests) to detect a subdural hematoma or any other brain injury. Subdural hematomas can be fatal, especially without medical treatment. Once diagnosed, treatment will vary depending on the size of the injury, the location, and the rate of growth. Large subdural hematomas may require a craniotomy to remove the collection of blood with suction. Smaller hematomas may heal themselves, but must be closely monitored. Other subdural hematomas may be treated by drilling a hole in the skull and inserting a catheter to drain the hematoma.
Subdural Hematoma Injuries and Victims' Legal Rights
Brain injuries are serious and life-changing injuries. Depending on how an injury occurs, victims may be entitled to substantial compensation from the party or parties responsible for their injuries. If you or a loved one has suffered a subdural hematoma brain injury, and you would like more information, contact the Brain Injury Legal Help Center today and speak with a dedicated California subdural hematoma lawyer.