What is Epidural Hematoma. Its Causes & Symptoms
Epidural hematoma is a condition when the blood vessels in the outer surface of the dura mater (it acts as the covering of brain) are ruptured. This bleeding results in accumulation of blood in the space between the dura mater and the skull, and puts pressure on the delicate brain tissues. As a result several neurological disorders may show up in the patient. Epidural hematoma is a serious condition and emergency medical care is needed to treat it.
Epidural hematoma is most likely to be caused by a severe injury or trauma. In some cases, however, epidural hematoma can also be caused by spontaneous hemorrhage. Other causes for epidural hematoma include hypertension, use of anticoagulants, and brain tumor. Cerebral aneurysm, a disease that causes spontaneous rupture of blood vessels in the brain, may also cause epidural hematoma. Also, elderly people and alcoholics are found to be at greater risk.
Common symptoms of epidural hematoma include headaches, nausea or vomiting, seizures, blurred vision, amnesia, disorientation, and unconsciousness. Epidural hematoma is often associated with a period called ‘lucid interval’ during which the patient regains consciousness, only to be followed by a rapid decline of the functions.
The initial treatment for epidural hematoma should be to provide immediate resuscitation techniques. Thereafter, the patient should be taken to an emergency medical care unit of a hospital. A proper examination of injury needs to be carried out. If the patient is alert, a CT scan and neurological assessment can also be carried out. Most often, however, epidural hematoma treatment will require immediate surgical procedures. There are two types of surgery for treating epidural hematoma. The first type, perforation, is employed when the hematoma is relatively small and is not clotted. In this method, a hole is drilled into the skull and the blood is taken out by suction. The second type of method, known as craniotomy, is used when the hematoma is bigger in size and appears to be clotted. In craniotomy, a portion of the skull is cut open and the hematoma is removed.
The patients of epidural hematoma should be put under close medical supervision. Recovery after an epidural hematoma may be prolonged and requires tremendous support from family and friends. The patient should be put in complete bed rest in the initial days. The patient should be introduced to daily activities gradually, even though he/she seems recovered and capable. Outdoor activities and sports should be avoided till the doctors allow for it.
