Northern California Subdural Hematoma Brain Injury Attorneys
Subdural Hematoma
A hematoma is a broad medical term used to describe a collection of blood under the skin. Hematomas can occur in many types of tissue throughout the body, but subdural hematomas are especially lethal and problematic as they affect the function of the brain. The dura mater is one of three layers of tissue surrounding the brain. As the function of this layer is to protect the brain, the collection of blood beneath this layer, a subdural hematoma, can quickly cause a build-up of pressure and starve the brain of oxygen. When this occurs, the victim can suffer fatal or life-altering injuries as brain cells die from suffocation.
Causes of Subdural Hematomas
Many different factors can cause these brain injuries, but a strong blow to the head or other type of head injury that causes bleeding in the dura mater is the most common cause. Other causes include the following:
- A history of alcohol abuse
- Blood-thinning prescription medication
- Repetitive falls or blows to the head and concussions
- Blood vessel disorders
- Long-term high blood pressure
- Bleeding disorders
- Infections of the central nervous system
Symptoms of Subdural Hematomas
Subdural hematoma symptoms can be quite difficult to properly diagnose as they may not become apparent for hours or days after the bleeding has begun. Making matters worse, these symptoms also resemble those of many other medical conditions and include the following:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Blurred vision and slurred speech
- Fainting
- Seizures
- Headaches
- Memory loss
- Disorientation
- Abnormal eye movement
Classifications of Subdural Hematomas
These hematomas are classified into three main types: acute, subacute or chronic. These classifications are dependent on how quickly the hematoma bleeds and how soon symptoms are present.
- Chronic hematomas
Chronic subdural hematomas are regarded as less serious because the bleeding occurs over a long period of time. The majority of victims with these hematomas receive diagnosis and treatment before brain damage occurs or the bleeding gradually slows and stops altogether. - Acute hematomas
Acute hematomas usually develop after sudden, severe trauma such as a fall or an automobile accident. These are the most deadly of the hematomas. The bleeding begins right away and is often severe, creating debilitating or fatal intracranial pressure. - Subacute hematomas
A subacute hematoma can occur immediately or after a severe head injury. While the bleeding is not as acute, the results can be devastating over time unless correct diagnosis and treatment occurs.