Chronic subdural hematoma: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

P A chronic subdural hematoma is an "old" collection of blood and blood breakdown products between the surface of the brain and its outermost covering (the dura). The chronic phase of a subdural hematoma begins several weeks after the first bleeding.

T Causes
P A subdural hematoma develops when bridging veins tear and leak blood. These are the tiny veins that run between the dura and surface of the brain. This is usually the result of a head injury.
P A collection of blood then forms over the surface of the brain. In a chronic subdural collection, blood leaks from the veins slowly over time, or a fast hemorrhage is left to clear up on its own.
P A subdural hematoma is more common in older adults because of normal brain shrinkage that occurs with aging. This shrinkage stretches and weakens the bridging veins. These veins are more likely to break in older adults, even after a minor head injury. You or your family may not remember any injury that could explain it.
P Risks include:
- Long-term heavy alcohol use
- Long-term use of aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, or blood thinning (anticoagulant) medicine such as warfarin
- Diseases that lead to reduced blood clotting
- Head injury
- Old age

T Symptoms
P In some cases, there may be no symptoms. However, depending on the size of the hematoma and where it presses on the brain, any of the following symptoms may occur:
- Confusion or coma
- Decreased memory
- Problem speaking or swallowing
- Trouble walking
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Seizures
- Weakness or numbness of arms, legs, face

T Exams and Tests
P Your health care provider will ask about your medical history. The physical exam will carefully check your brain and nervous system for problems with:
- Balance
- Coordination
- Mental functions
- Sensation
- Strength
- Walking
P If there is any suspicion of a hematoma, an imaging test, such as a CT or MRI scan will be done.

T Treatment
P The goal of treatment is to control symptoms and reduce or prevent permanent damage to the brain. Medicines may be used to control or prevent seizures.
P Surgery may be needed. This may include drilling small holes in the skull to relieve pressure and allow blood and fluids to be drained. Large hematomas or solid blood clots may need to be removed through a larger opening in the skull (craniotomy).
P Hematomas that do not cause symptoms may not require treatment. Chronic subdural hematomas often come back after being drained. Therefore, it is sometimes better to leave them alone unless they are causing symptoms.

T Outlook (Prognosis)
P Chronic subdural hematomas that cause symptoms usually do not heal on their own over time. They often require surgery, especially when there are neurologic problems, seizures, or chronic headaches.

T Possible Complications
P Complications may include:
- Permanent brain damage
- Persistent symptoms, such as anxiety, confusion, difficulty paying attention, dizziness, headache, and memory loss
- Seizures

T When to Contact a Medical Professional
P Call your provider right away if you or a family member has symptoms of chronic subdural hematoma. For example, if you see symptoms of confusion, weakness, or numbness weeks or months after a head injury in an older adult, call the provider right away.
P Take the person to the emergency room or call 911 if the person:
- Has convulsions (seizures)
- Is not alert (loses consciousness)

T Prevention
P Avoid head injuries by using seat belts, bicycle and motorcycle helmets, and hard hats when appropriate.

T Alternative Names
P Subdural hemorrhage - chronic; Subdural hematoma - chronic; Subdural hygroma

T References
P Heegaard WG, Biros MH. Head injury. In: Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, et al, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 41.
P Stippler M. Craniocerebral trauma. In: Daroff RB, Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, eds. Bradley's Neurology in Clinical Practice. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 62.

T Review Date 5/30/2016
P Updated by: Amit M. Shelat, DO, FACP, Attending Neurologist and Assistant Professor of Clinical Neurology, SUNY Stony Brook, School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

