Locations Main Campus: Chesterfield, MO 63017   |   Locations
314-434-1500 314-434-1500   |   Contact Us

Multimedia Encyclopedia

BACK
TO
TOP
 
E-mail Form
Email Results

 
 
Print-Friendly
Bookmarks
bookmarks-menu

Epidural hematoma

Extradural hematoma; Extradural hemorrhage; Epidural hemorrhage; EDH

 

An epidural hematoma (EDH) is bleeding between the inside of the skull and the outer covering of the brain (called the dura).

Causes

 

An EDH is often caused by a skull fracture during childhood or adolescence. This type of bleeding is more common in young people because the membrane covering the brain is not as closely attached to the skull as it is in older people and children younger than 2 years.

An EDH can also occur due to rupture of a blood vessel, usually an artery. The blood vessel then bleeds into the space between the dura and the skull.

The affected vessels are often torn by skull fractures. The fractures are most often the result of a severe head injury, such as those caused by motorcycle or automobile accidents.

Rapid bleeding causes a collection of blood (hematoma) that presses on the brain. The pressure inside the head ( intracranial pressure, ICP ) increases quickly. This pressure may result in more brain injury.

 

Symptoms

 

Contact a health care provider for any head injury that results in even a brief loss of consciousness , or if there are any other symptoms after a head injury (even without loss of consciousness).

The typical pattern of symptoms that indicate an EDH is a loss of consciousness, followed by alertness, then loss of consciousness again. But this pattern may NOT appear in all people.

The most important symptoms of an EDH are:

  • Confusion
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness or altered level of alertness
  • Enlarged pupil in one eye
  • 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

The symptoms usually occur within minutes to hours after a head injury and indicate an emergency situation.

Sometimes, bleeding does not start for hours after a head injury. The symptoms of pressure on the brain also do not occur right away.

 

Exams and Tests

 

The brain and nervous system (neurological) examination may show that a specific part of the brain is not working well (for instance, there may be arm weakness on one side). The exam may also indicate increased ICP.

If there is increased ICP, emergency surgery may be needed to relieve the pressure and prevent further brain injury.

A head CT scan will confirm the diagnosis of EDH, and will pinpoint the exact location of the hematoma and any associated skull fracture.

 

Treatment

 

An EDH is an emergency condition. Treatment goals include:

  • Taking measures to save the person's life
  • Controlling symptoms
  • Minimizing or preventing permanent damage to the brain

Life support measures may be required. Emergency surgery is almost always necessary to reduce pressure within the brain. This may include drilling a small hole in the skull to relieve pressure and allow blood to drain from the brain.

Large hematomas or solid blood clots may need to be removed through a larger opening in the skull ( craniotomy ).

Medicines used in addition to surgery will vary according to the type and severity of symptoms and brain damage that occurs.

Antiseizure medicines may be used to control or prevent seizures. Some drugs called hyperosmotic agents may be used to reduce brain swelling.

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

An epidural hematoma has a high risk of death without prompt surgical intervention. Even with prompt medical attention, a significant risk of death and disability remains.

 

Possible Complications

 

There is a risk of permanent brain injury, even if EDH is treated. Symptoms (such as seizures ) may persist for several months, even after treatment. In time they may become less frequent or disappear. Seizures may begin up to 2 years after the injury.

In adults, most recovery occurs in the first 6 months. Usually there is some improvement over 2 years. Children usually recover more quickly and fully than adults.

If there is brain damage, full recovery isn't likely. Other complications include permanent symptoms, such as:

  • Herniation of the brain and permanent coma
  • Normal pressure hydrocephalus , which can lead to weakness, headaches, incontinence, and difficulty walking
  • Paralysis or loss of sensation (which began at the time of the injury)

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Go to the emergency room or call 911 if symptoms of epidural hematoma occur.

Spinal injuries often occur with head injuries. If you must move the person before help arrives, try to keep his or her neck still.

Call the provider if these symptoms persist after treatment:

  • Memory loss or problems focusing
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Anxiety
  • Speech problems
  • Loss of movement in part of the body

Go to the emergency room or call 911 in emergency if these symptoms develop after treatment:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Seizures
  • Enlarged pupils of the eyes or 2 pupils are not same size
  • Decreased responsiveness
  • Loss of consciousness

 

Prevention

 

An EDH may not be preventable once a head injury has occurred.

To lessen the risk of head injury, use the right safety equipment (such as hard hats, bicycle or motorcycle helmets, and seat belts).

Follow safety precautions at work and in sports and recreation. For example, do not dive into water if the water depth is unknown or if rocks may be present.

 

 

Open References

References

Heegaard WG, Biros MH. Head injury. In: Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 41.

Stippler M. Craniocerebral trauma. In: Daroff RB, Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, eds. Bradley's Neurology in Clinical Practice . 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 62.

 

        Self Care

         
           

          Review Date: 7/4/2016

          Reviewed By: Amit M. Shelat, DO, FACP, Attending Neurologist and Assistant Professor of Clinical Neurology, SUNY Stony Brook, School of Medicine. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

          The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

           
           
           

           

           

          A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.



          Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.