Subdural Hematoma

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Subdural hematoma is a serious condition when blood collects underneath the protective covering of the brain known as the dura. The dura is the outermost and strongest of the three protective layers of the brain. With subdural hematoma, veins (blood vessels) that are in the dura may tear and bleed. Blood then collects within the dura, causing the dura to expand, push, and compress the brain. This compression (squeezing) of the brain can lead to serious medical problems.
  
  
• An accident or head injury is the most common cause of subdural hematoma. Aging and blood vessel wall weakness may also cause the condition. Other causes include medicines, such as blood thinners. Liver disease that is caused by drinking too much alcohol may also cause a subdural hematoma. Early diagnosis and surgery often increase your chance of recovery.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Take your medicine as directed:

Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists.

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

How can I avoid injuries to my head?

• Always wear a seat belt when you are driving or riding in a car.
  
  
• You may feel safer if you use a 4 prong (pointed) cane or a walker when walking. To keep from falling, remove loose carpeting from the floor. Using chairs with side arms and hard cushions will make it easier to get up or out of a chair. Put grab bars on the walls beside toilets and inside showers and bathtubs. These will help you get up after using the toilet or after bathing. Grab bars will also help to keep you from falling in the shower. You may want to put a shower chair inside the shower.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have nausea (upset stomach) or are vomiting and cannot keep liquids down.
  
  
• You are more sleepy or are harder to wake up than usual.
  
  
• Your subdural hematoma symptoms are getting worse.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have problems thinking or focusing on things.
  
  
• You have blood or clear fluid coming out of your ears or nose.
  
  
• Your behavior or personality has changed.
  
  
• Your vision is blurry or you are seeing double.
  
  
• Your speech is slurred.
  
  
• You have arm or leg weakness, numbness, or problems with balance and movement.
  
  
• You have a seizure (convulsion).
  
  
• You have repeated or forceful vomiting.
  
  
• You cannot speak or you pass out.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Subdural Hematoma (Aftercare Instructions)