What is Brain Hematoma and its Effects

Brain hematoma is a serious condition caused by the accumulation of blood in the space between the brain and the skull. Normally, the brain lies in a pool of fluids that cushions the delicate tissues from vibrations or trauma that would come about from normal movement. But, when subjected to a severe blow or injury, the brain may stretch and hit the inner walls of the skull, causing a rupture of blood vessels in the brain. This will lead to bleeding and the blood accumulated will put undue pressure on the brain, which will result in several neurological disorders. Although the most common cause of brain hematoma is severe injury or trauma, there can be other cause as well. For example, cerebral aneurysm, a disease that causes spontaneous rupture of blood vessels in the brain, can be another reason for brain hematoma. Brain tumors, certain auto-immune diseases, and chronic hypertension are some other notable causes. Besides these, certain groups of people may be more at risk. Alcohol abuse can greatly increase the chance of a brain hematoma. Prolonged use of certain anticoagulant drugs, like aspirin, can increase the chances of a brain hematoma as well. Also, elderly people, who suffer from a condition called cerebral atrophy, are more susceptible to brain hematoma.

Brain hematoma can have several neurological effects in the body. The patients suffering from brain hematoma are likely to show one or many of the following symptoms: frequent seizures, a feeling of numbness, severe headache, nausea or vomiting, slurred speech, a feeling of constant dizziness, blurring of vision, amnesia, disorientation, and abnormal gaze. The symptoms may worsen if proper medical care is not given immediately. Brain hematoma is a very serious condition which can put the patient in a coma or even cause death. Therefore, brain hematoma patients should be given emergency medical care.

Small brain hematomas that do not show any adverse symptoms can be treated with medication under proper medical supervision. However, if the brain hematoma is bigger in size, surgical methods need to be employed to drain out the accumulated blood.

There are two types of surgical methods to treat brain hematoma. The first type is perforation, where a hole is drilled and the blood is suctioned out. This method is used when the hematoma is not very large and is not clotting. The second type of surgery is known as craniotomy, where a portion of the skull is opened to drain out the blood.

It should be remembered that post surgery, the recovery may need a long time. Medical supervision and support from family and friends will be required for a smooth recovery.