Rapid Review: Subdural Hematoma

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July 13, 2017

Reviewed March 2024

Subdural Hematoma

  • Risk factors: traumatic head injury, advancing age, anticoagulant use, coagulopathy, thrombocytopenia
  • Caused by tearing of the bridging veins between arachnoid and dura
  • Sx: acute or subacute neuro sx, headache, mental status changes, seizures, or focal deficits
  • Dx: crescent-shaped hematoma on noncontrast CT
  • Management includes neurosurgical consultation, blood pressure control, reversal of anticoagulation

Sample question:

A 68-year-old man presents to the ED after a fall down 12 stairs. On physical exam, you note a large parietal scalp hematoma. His noncontrast computed tomography scan of the head shows a crescent-shaped hematoma. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

By Yehuda Wolf, MPA, PA-C


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