Epidural Intracranial Hematoma
An epidural intracranial hematoma is a tearing of the blood vessels inside the dural membrane, leading to bleeding inbetween the membrane and the skull. This occurs following a head injury.
Symptoms of an Epidural Intracranial Hematoma
- Severe headache.
- Temporary unconsciousness.
- Dizziness.
- Vomiting.
- Dilated pupil on the affected side.
- Muscle weakness on the opposite side.
Causes
Epidural hematomas are rare injuries which occur following an impact to the head. This may occur following a sporting injury such as a ball hitting the head or an impact with another player. Alternatively it may occur after a fall onto the head or a road traffic accident.
Epidural hematomas are found in only around 1 to 4% of all traumatic head injuries. They occur most frequently in adolescents and young adults and are hardly ever present in those over 50.
Treatment
- Seek medical attention immediately.
- A CT scan or MRI scan will be used to confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of bleeding.
- Surgery is usually undertaken to drain the blood and stop the bleeding.
- The patient is then closely monitored for signs of continued bleeding or pressure build-up in the skull.
