Health Information : Traumatic Intracranial Hematoma

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What is Traumatic Intracranial Hematoma?

Traumatic Intracranial Hematoma occurs when a blood vessel ruptures within the brain or between the brain and skull causing blood to accumulate in the area. This compresses the brain tissue resulting in potentially life-threatening condition. TraumaticIntracranial Hematoma is a medical emergency and must be treated immediately.

What causes TraumaticIntracranial Hematoma?

TraumaticIntracranial Hematoma usually occurs when there is head injury caused from an automobile, motorcycle or bicycle accidents, falls and sports injuries. However, a mild head trauma may also cause TraumaticIntracranial Hematoma but it happens usually in older adults taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.

What are the types of Traumatic Intracranial Hematoma?

There are mainly three types of Traumatic Intracranial Hematoma, namely:

Acute Subdural hematoma: An Acute Subdural Hematoma is a clot of blood that develops between the surface of brain and its tough outer covering known as dura mater. It usually occurs when there is stretching and tearing of veins on the brain’s surface due to severe head injury. Acute Subdural Hematoma is the most dangerous one and you can see the symptoms almost immediately.

Acute Extradural Hematoma: An Acute Extradural Hematoma is collection of blood between the inner surface of the skull and outer layer of dura, known as periosteal layer. It occurs when there is tearing of meningeal artery due to trauma and associated skull fracture. It is a serious condition that requires emergency treatment.

Acute Intracerebral hematoma and contusions:A contusion is a condition in which there is bruising of brain tissue and acute intracerebral hematoma is occurrence of heavy bleeding into or around the brain. It may happen when there is sudden physical assault on the head leading to brain damage and may range from mild concussion to the extremes of coma or even death.

What are the symptoms of Traumatic Intracranial Hematoma?

The most common symptoms of TraumaticIntracranial Hematoma are:

• Persistent headache
• Drowsiness
• Confusion
• Vomiting
• Memory changes
• Paralysis on opposite side of body
• Slurred speech
• Increased blood pressure
• Seizures
• Unconsciousness

How can Traumatic Intracranial Hematoma be treated?

TraumaticIntracranial Hematoma if large and creating pressure on brain often requires surgical approach that includes:

• Surgical drainage
• Craniotomy