Subdural hematoma in elderly

• Elderly people are at higher risk for chronic subdural hematoma because brain shrinkage causes these tiny veins to be more stretched and more vulnerable to tearing. In head injuries with sudden, severe bleeding causing a subdural hematoma, a person may lose consciousness and become comatose immediately.

Chronic subdural haematoma is predominantly a disease of the elderly. It usually follows a minor trauma. A history of direct trauma to the head is absent in up to half the cases. The common manifestations are altered mental state and focal neurological deficit.Author:
V Adhiyaman, M Asghar, K N Ganeshram, B K BhowmickCited by:
Publish Year:
2002

What are the chances of surviving a subdural hematoma?

The mortality associated with acute subdural hematoma has been reported to range from 36-79% . Many survivors do not regain previous levels of functioning, especially after an acute subdural hematoma severe enough to require surgical drainage. Favorable outcome rates after acute subdural hematoma range from 14-40% .

Is hematoma common in geriatric patients?

Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is the most common neurosurgical disease, and it affects mainly elderly patients . As the world population becomes progressively older , the overall incidence is increasing.

Can you fully recover from a subdural hematoma?

The speed of recovery often depends on the extent of damage the subdural hematoma has caused to the brain . Only between 20 and 30 percent of people can expect to see a full or nearly full recovery of brain functioning. Often, people treated quickly have the best chances of full recovery .

Can a subdural hematoma cause dementia?

Side effects of medications, a reaction to a medication or an interaction of several medications can cause dementia -like symptoms . Subdural hematomas . Bleeding between the surface of the brain and the covering over the brain, which is common in the elderly after a fall, can cause symptoms similar to those of dementia .

How do doctors treat a subdural hematoma?

A surgical procedure called a craniotomy may be used to remove a large subdural hematoma . It’s normally used to treat acute subdural hematomas . In this procedure, your surgeon removes a part of your skull in order to access the clot or hematoma . They then use suction and irrigation to remove it.

How serious is a subdural hematoma?

A subdural hematoma is most often the result of a severe head injury. This type of subdural hematoma is among the deadliest of all head injuries. The bleeding fills the brain area very rapidly, compressing brain tissue. This often results in brain injury and may lead to death.

What causes subdural hematomas in the elderly?

It has long been recognised that the elderly are more likely to develop subdural haematoma , particularly from minor trauma. Generalised cerebral atrophy and increased venous fragility associated with aging are the major predisposing factors.

How long does it take for a subdural hematoma to resolve?

After a head injury , complete healing can take up to 15 days . This is true even if symptoms go away much sooner. A repeated head injury during this fragile repair period is likely to result in more bleeding . This is called the second impact syndrome.

Can subdural hematoma be treated without surgery?

Conclusions: Chronic subdural hematoma can be treated with tranexamic acid without concomitant surgery . Tranexamic acid might simultaneously inhibit the fibrinolytic and inflammatory (kinin-kallikrein) systems, which might consequently resolve CSDH.

What are the long term effects of a subdural hematoma?

Many people are left with some long-lasting problems after treatment for a subdural haematoma. These can include changes to your mood, concentration or memory problems , fits ( seizures ), speech problems , and weakness in your limbs. There’s also a risk the haematoma could come back after treatment .

Is a subdural hematoma a stroke?

However, a subdural hemorrhage can become large enough to push against the brain, causing significant neurological symptoms. If a subdural hemorrhage involves significant amounts of blood, it can cause a stroke , due to the pressure.

What happens if a subdural hematoma is not treated?

Yes, a subdural hematoma can be a serious event. Occasionally, the bleed is slow and the body is able to absorb the pooled blood. However, if the hematoma is severe, the buildup of blood can cause pressure on the brain . This pressure can lead to breathing problems, paralysis and death if not treated .

How is chronic subdural hematoma treated?

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). Hematomas that do not cause symptoms may not require treatment.

What is the number one food that fights dementia?

Researchers developed the diet by looking at the Mediterranean and DASH diets, then focusing on the foods with the most compelling findings in dementia prevention. Vegetables , especially leafy greens , rose to the top. In general, fruit didn’t, though berries made the list.

Can high blood pressure cause subdural hematoma?

Hypertensive crisis presenting with acute spontaneous subdural hematoma prompts tight blood pressure control in timely manner to prevent permanent neurological sequalae. Rapid and severe elevation in the blood pressure might be a potential etiology of spontaneous bleeding into the subdural space.