A brain tumour is a mass of abnormal cells in the brain that usually multiplies in an uncontrollable way.
A subdural hematoma is a neurosurgical disorder that occurs when blood collects on the brain’s surface beneath the dura mater. Subdural hematomas can be life-threatening and these commonly occur when a vein ruptures due to a head injury.
Subdural hematomas are classified as acute or chronic; the former ones are the result of a severe head injury whereas the later ones develop due to a minor head injury. Approximately, 20 to 30 percent of people regain full or partial brain function after having a subdural hematoma.
Acute subdural hematoma is the most dangerous type as they are formed quickly, and the symptoms appear immediately. To the contrary, chronic subdural hematomas are usually caused by mild or repeated head injuries. However, symptoms of chronic subdural hematomas aren’t noticeable immediately and may not even appear for several weeks, but these are easier to treat than the acute ones.
Common symptoms of a subdural hematoma includes:
* slurred speech
* loss of consciousness or coma
* seizures
* numbness
* severe headaches
* weakness
* visual problem
Diagnosis
A subdural hematoma can be diagnosed using imaging tests, such as a CT scan or MRI scan and a blood test. These scans provide the doctor with an in-depth look at brain, skull, veins and other blood vessels. Also, these help to reveal if there’s any blood clot inside brain or blood loss in the body.
Treatments
The treatment for subdural hematoma depends on multiple factors including the size, age and location of the hematoma.
An acute subdural hematoma can only be treated by a surgical procedure called a craniotomy. This removes a part of your skull in order to remove the clot or hematoma.
A burr hole can also be used to drain smaller or liquified hematomas, especially the chronic ones. First, small holes are drilled in the skull and then with the help of rubber tubes, blood from the hematoma is drained out through these holes.