Anatom3D
ENCZDE
Download

Subdural haematoma

Haematoma subdurale · Subdurální hematom

What it is

Blood between the brain and its tough outer covering after torn veins — acute after a big blow, chronic after a small one in older people on blood thinners.

Symptoms & signs

  • Headache
  • confusion, drowsiness
  • weakness on one side
  • slurred speech
  • in chronic cases, slow decline over weeks

🚩 Get help if…

  • call 112 / 911 now Head injury then drowsiness, confusion or vomiting
  • call 112 / 911 now Weakness on one side or trouble speaking
  • call 112 / 911 now Head injury while on blood thinners
  • see a doctor soon Headache or confusion getting worse over days or weeks

Where it strikes

Medical treatment

  • CT scan
  • reverse blood thinners
  • burr-hole drainage or craniotomy
  • watchful waiting for small ones
  • anti-seizure drugs if needed

Natural & lifestyle

  • Prevent falls
  • alcohol moderation
  • review of blood thinners

Emerging & experimental

  • Middle meningeal artery embolisation
  • dexamethasone and atorvastatin trials

Alternative, off-label & anecdotal

Approaches used outside the guidelines, with what their supporters report and what testing has found so far.

  • Ginkgo, fish oil and garlic — they raise bleeding risk; avoid not confirmed in trials
  • Atorvastatin — a Chinese trial helped chronic haematomas shrink early / small studies
  • Arnica — anecdotal anecdotal / traditional

ICD codes