Epidural hematomas are serious and can be fatal if not treated immediately. They occur in 2% of head injuries and account for 5-15% of fatal head injuries. Symptoms include loss of consciousness, brain deterioration, and seizures. Diagnosis is made through a CT scan, and treatment is surgical for serious cases. Recovery varies, with comatose patients having a lower chance of survival. Seeking medical treatment after a head injury is crucial.
An epidural hematoma is a very serious condition that can occur after a hard blow to the head. If not diagnosed and treated right away, it can be fatal. Epidural hematomas occur in 2% of all head injuries and account for 5 to 15% of all fatal head injuries per year.
The brain is held in place by a series of connective tissues. When the head receives any kind of severe blow, the brain can strike the skull, causing tears in the connective tissues, bruising and, in severe cases, bleeding. If the bleeding occurs outside the thick covering that protects the brain, an epidural hematoma can occur. Skull fractures are another common cause of epidural hematomas, especially when the fracture causes bleeding into the brain.
The most common sign of an epidural hematoma is a brief loss of consciousness, followed by up to several hours of awareness. Eventually, brain function will deteriorate, leaving the patient in a coma. Other symptoms include bruising under the eyes and behind the ears, nausea, high blood pressure, vomiting, and seizures. If the hematoma is not treated, it can lead to brain damage or even death.
Diagnosis of an epidural hematoma is usually made by a computed tomography (CT) scan. Technicians will check for a large dark mass against the skull that appears to be pushing against the brain. Small hematomas will heal on their own and do not require treatment. The patient will be monitored for a few days and then discharged. More serious hematomas, those that can lead to brain damage or death, are treated surgically. During surgery, the clot will be removed and any cuts or lacerations will be repaired to prevent the hematoma from coming back.
Although a patient’s recovery after any type of brain injury can vary widely, approximately 90 percent of all patients with an epidural hematoma recover completely. However, patients who fall into a coma have a much lower chance of a favorable outcome, with only 40-70% of patients surviving. The student’s lack of response is another indicator of a probable negative outcome.
Medical treatment should be sought after any serious head injury. Although epidural hematomas are rare, they can present a very serious health risk if not diagnosed right away. The sooner an injury is treated, the less likely it is that a severe epidural hematoma will go unnoticed, causing severe brain damage or death.
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