Epidural hematoma is a condition in which blood enters and accumulates in the space between the bones of the skull and the lining that covers the brain, known as the dura. The entry of blood into the space is caused by a head injury that causes a fracture of the skull, damage or tearing of the dura, or blood vessels of the brain.
This accumulation of blood in the space between the skull and the dura increases pressure on the head and potentially compresses the brain. This condition can cause impaired vision, movement, consciousness, and speech. Epidural hematoma should be treated immediately. Otherwise, this condition can lead to death.
Causes of Epidural Hematoma
An epidural hematoma is caused by the entry and accumulation of blood in the space between the skull and the lining that covers the brain (dura). A head injury that causes a fracture to the skull, damage or tearing of the dura, or blood vessels in the brain, allows blood to enter the space between the skull and the dura.
Head injuries are generally caused by accidents, such as when driving or playing sports. The entry and accumulation of blood in the space between the skull and dura also increases the pressure in the head cavity. It can cause brain damage and other health problems.
Children under 2 years of age have a higher risk of suffering from an epidural hematoma if they have a head impact, because the membrane or lining that covers the brain is not fully attached to the skull.
Some other factors that can increase the risk are:
- Elderly.
- Have a walking disorder.
- Have had a head injury.
- Was taking blood thinners.
- Consuming alcohol.
- Not using personal protective equipment when carrying out high-risk activities, such as driving and exercising.
Symptoms of Epidural Hematoma
Symptoms of an epidural hematoma can be felt minutes or even hours after the accident. Therefore, it would be better if you immediately consult a doctor after an accident or impact on the head.
Symptoms that appear can be different for each person, depending on the severity of the condition. Symptoms of an epidural hematoma include:
- Headache
- daze
- Dizzy
- Nausea and vomiting
- Seizures
- Sleepy
- Impaired vision in one eye
- The pupil of one eye is enlarged
- Hard to breathe
- One part of the body feels weak
Some people with epidural hematomas also experience patterned symptoms. The symptoms begin with a decrease in consciousness, then conscious, and a few moments later his consciousness is lost again.
Epidural Hematoma Diagnosis
In diagnosing, there are several examinations that will be carried out by the doctor, namely:
- Neurological tests. This physical examination is carried out to check the patient's movement, sensory, balance, and mental abilities. Neurological tests aim to check the function of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). This test will use simple instruments, such as a flashlight and a special hammer.
- CT scan. CT scans are used to observe and see the condition of the skull and brain bones.
- Electroencephalography (EEG). This test is used to observe electrical activity in the brain.
Epidural Hematoma Treatment
The doctor will adjust the treatment according to the severity of the condition and the symptoms that appear. In this case, the patient should also tell the doctor if he has any other health problems. Other conditions suffered by the patient also determine the method of treatment to be carried out.
Some of the methods commonly used to treat epidural hematomas are:
- Operation. Surgery is a treatment method used to treat epidural hematoma. The surgery aims to drain the accumulated blood in the space between the skull and the dura. This procedure uses an anesthetic. Tell your doctor if you have a history of drug allergies.
- Drug. Doctors can give a mannitol infusion to reduce pressure in the head (intracranial) due to the buildup of blood.
- Rehabilitation. The doctor will advise the patient to consult a medical rehabilitation doctor and undergo physiotherapy. Physiotherapy aims to train the function of missing limbs that arise due to injuries experienced, such as difficulty walking, paralysis, numbness, and being unable to hold a bowel movement or urinate.
In addition to the methods above, patients can also perform home treatments to help the recovery process. Efforts that can be made include:
- Avoid alcohol consumption.
- Avoid sports with physical contact.
- Increase activity gradually.
- Sufficient rest.
Epidural Hematoma Prevention
Epidural hematoma can be avoided by preventing head injury. Some of the following measures also reduce a person's risk of experiencing a head injury:
- Use personal protective equipment when driving or playing sports.
- Avoid consuming alcohol, especially when going to drive.
- Be careful in your activities, and clean the environment from objects that can make you fall.
Complications of Epidural Hematoma
A person who has an epidural hematoma is at risk for additional symptoms from a brain injury, such as seizures, even if the epidural hematoma itself has been treated. Usually these additional symptoms appear up to 2 years after the patient has an accident, and in some cases can disappear on their own.
Some of the other complications that can occur include:
- Coma.
- Brain herniation. A condition in which a part of the brain shifts or moves from its original place.
- Hydrocephalus. A condition in which there is an increase in cerebrospinal fluid in the brain that interferes with brain function.
- Paralysed.
- Numb.