A lucid interval is a period of consciousness after a head injury, but before unconsciousness caused by blood buildup in the brain. This interval can create a false sense of wellness, making medical attention crucial. An epidural hematoma, a hemorrhage between the skull and brain covering, can be fatal if not treated.
A lucid interval is a period of time that a person with a head injury is conscious after being knocked unconscious by an impact. The interval lasts until they fall unconscious again. Unconsciousness follows, because during the intermission, blood builds up in the brain causing extreme pressure on the brain tissue. A lucid interval ends with these pressures becoming so great that the person loses consciousness. They are at great risk of death if medical intervention is not obtained quickly.
In order for a lucid interval to occur, a person suffers a head injury, such as a blow to the head. They pass out for a few minutes and then wake up. Having sustained the injury, the person may be totally unaware of the seriousness of their condition. Awake and functioning normally, perhaps with a headache that they associate with the blow they received, they have an epidural hematoma that progresses over the minutes or hours.
An epidural hematoma is a hemorrhage in the brain where blood pools between the skull and the dura mater. The dura mater is a hard membrane that covers the brain. Blood continues to accumulate while the person is unaware of their condition.
The lucid interval is the interval or length of time that the injured person is lucid or conscious, and in many cases continues to function relatively normally, before the effects of the epidural hematoma cause unconsciousness again. Blood continues to accumulate within the skull during the intermission, until the pressure and compressive force on the brain becomes so great that one loses consciousness. They risk dying if urgent medical help is not obtained.
It is vitally important to seek medical attention after a head injury has occurred, even if the injured person appears to be fine. An interval of lucidity can create the illusion that the injured person is healed, when in reality his condition is worsening. The effects of alcohol can also mask any symptoms of epidural hematoma, such as headache and nausea.
Under the supervision of a doctor, the injured person is examined for head injuries. There may be a lucid lapse or the patient may be really well, however the doctor will do tests, such as an eye exam or brain scan, to look for symptoms. The patient usually undergoes a period of observation after the exam, to make sure that they are well. Having an epidural hematoma is fatal for 15-20% of people who suffer from it.
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