The brain is the most complex part of your body, and it’s the center for every feeling, impulse, and regulation of body organs. This is probably why nature has given it a tough covering to protect it from damage and, ultimately, epidural hematoma. The skull protects the brain from damage, and just inside the skull is a leathery outer surface called the dura that attaches directly to the brain.
When trauma occurs such as a fall or blunt force to the head, the brain shifts inside the skull. This shift can cause tiny tears in nearby arteries, and the result is bleeding inside the brain cavity. The epidural hematoma that builds inside the brain leaves no room for the brain, so it begins to shift and push against the brain stem. It affects speech, movement, breathing, and even results in the loss of consciousness.
Epidural Hematoma Symptoms
As the hematoma increases in size, the brain continues to shift and presses on many of the important areas of the brain stem. Beginning symptoms are an increase in pupil size in the eyes, dizziness, or vomiting. As the blood accumulates, more severe symptoms occur like changes in breathing patterns and eventual coma. At this point, the epidural hematoma can be irreversible, so it’s important to seek medical assistance for any severe trauma to the head.
Diagnosis
If a health care professional suspects an epidermal hematoma, then he will order a CT scan. A CT scan is basically an x-ray of the brain. If an epidermal hematoma exists, then a large bubble-shape object pushing against the brain will appear.
Treatment
Treatment is dependent upon the area of the brain that is affected and the size of the clot. Most patients undergo surgery by a neurosurgeon to remove the clot. The side effects and risks of the surgery are minimal compared to the dangers of the growing epidural hematoma.
Recover after Epidural Hematoma Surgery
After the surgery has been performed, the patient needs to recover in the intensive care unit of the hospital. If breathing was affected by the epidural hematoma, then the nurses will check on the patient often to make sure he can breathe on his own without complications. Medication is given to the patient to reduce swelling and to ensure the patient’s comfort throughout the recovery process. If the brain was severely injured, rehabilitation may be needed for the patient to recover certain functions such as walking, but this is rare and only needed in extreme cases.
References: University of Missouri Health Care
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