Description
A blood clot which forms between the skull and the outermost linings of the brain or spinal cord called the dura. The bleeding often comes from an injured artery after a skull fracture or other trauma. The bleeding can occur rapidly leading to brain injury and death. Occasionally patients experience a lucid period where their initial symptoms improve before they become rapidly ill and unconscious.
Symptoms
Headache, vomiting, confusion, seizure, coma, weakness, death. Occasionally a lucid period occurs where the patient's symptoms improve before rapid deterioration occurs.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. A head CT or MRI scan demonstrates the epidural blood. Blood tests to evaluate blood clotting may be performed.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan
Other Specific Tests: Protime, partial thromboplastin time
Specialists:
Neurosurgery, Pediatric Neurosurgery
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. A head CT or MRI scan demonstrates the epidural blood. Blood tests to evaluate blood clotting may be performed.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan
Other Specific Tests: Protime, partial thromboplastin time
Specialists:
Neurosurgery, Pediatric Neurosurgery
Treatment
If significant symptoms are present, urgent drainage of the blood may be necessary. Medications to prevent seizures may be administered and any blood clotting abnormalities are reversed. If the brain swelling is severe medications to reduce the swelling (such as mannitol) may be administered.