Extradural hematoma; Extradural hemorrhage; Epidural hemorrhage; EDH DefinitionAn epidural hematoma (EDH) is bleeding between the inside of the skull and the outer covering of the brain (called the dura mater). CausesAn EDH is often caused by a skull fracture during childhood or adolescence. The membrane covering the brain is not as closely attached to the skull as it is in older people and children younger than 2 years. Therefore, this type of bleeding is more common in young people. An EDH can also occur due to rupture of a blood vessel, usually an artery. The blood vessel then bleeds into the space between the dura and the skull. The affected vessels are often torn by skull fractures. The fractures are most often the result of a severe head injury, such as those caused by motorcycle, bicycle, skateboard, snow boarding, or automobile accidents. Rapid bleeding causes a collection of blood (hematoma) that presses on the brain. The pressure inside the head (intracranial pressure, ICP) increases quickly. This pressure may result in more brain injury. SymptomsContact a health care provider for any head injury that results in even a brief loss of consciousness, or if there are any other symptoms after a head injury (even without loss of consciousness). The typical pattern of symptoms that indicate an EDH is a loss of consciousness, followed by alertness, then loss of consciousness again. But this pattern may NOT appear in all people. The most important symptoms of an EDH are:
The symptoms usually occur within minutes to hours after a head injury and indicate an emergency situation. Sometimes, bleeding does not start for hours after a head injury. The symptoms of pressure on the brain also do not occur right away. Exams and TestsThe brain and nervous system (neurological) examination may show that a specific part of the brain is not working well (for instance, there may be arm weakness on one side). The exam may also show signs of increased ICP, such as:
If there is increased ICP, emergency surgery may be needed to relieve the pressure and prevent further brain injury. A non-contrast head CT scan will confirm the diagnosis of EDH, and will pinpoint the exact location of the hematoma and any associated skull fracture. MRI may be useful to identify small epidural hematomas from subdural ones. TreatmentAn EDH is an emergency condition. Treatment goals include:
Life support measures may be required. Emergency surgery is often necessary to reduce pressure within the brain. This may include drilling a small hole in the skull to relieve pressure and allow blood to drain outside the skull. Large hematomas or solid blood clots may need to be removed through a larger opening in the skull (craniotomy). Medicines used in addition to surgery will vary according to the type and severity of symptoms and brain damage that occurs. Antiseizure medicines may be used to control or prevent seizures. Some medicines called hyperosmotic agents may be used to reduce brain swelling. For people on blood thinners or with bleeding disorders, treatments to prevent further bleeding might be needed. Outlook (Prognosis)An EDH has a high risk of death without prompt surgical intervention. Even with prompt medical attention, a significant risk of death and disability remains. Possible ComplicationsThere is a risk of permanent brain injury, even if EDH is treated quickly. Symptoms (such as seizures) may persist for several months, even after treatment. In time they may become less frequent or disappear. Seizures may begin up to 2 years after the injury. In adults, most recovery occurs in the first 6 months. Usually there is some improvement over 2 years. If there is brain damage, full recovery isn't likely. Other complications include permanent symptoms, such as:
When to Contact a Medical ProfessionalGo to the emergency room or call 911 or the local emergency number if symptoms of EDH occur. Spinal injuries often occur with head injuries. If you must move the person before help arrives, try to keep his or her neck and spine still. Contact your provider if these symptoms persist after treatment:
Go to the emergency room or call 911 or the local emergency number if these symptoms develop after treatment:
PreventionAn EDH may not be preventable once a head injury has occurred. To lessen the risk of head injury, use the right safety equipment (such as hard hats, bicycle or motorcycle helmets, and seat belts). Follow safety precautions at work and in sports and recreation. For example, do not dive into water if the water depth is unknown or if rocks may be present. ReferencesNational Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Traumatic brain injury. www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/traumatic-brain-injury-tbi. Updated July 19, 2024. Accessed September 6, 2024. Shahlaie K, Menon DK, Hawryluk GWJ. Clinical pathophysiology of traumatic brain injury. In: Winn HR, ed. Youmans and Winn Neurological Surgery. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 384. Wermers JD, Hutchison LH. Trauma. In: Coley BD, ed. Caffey's Pediatric Diagnostic Imaging. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 39. | ||
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Review Date: 7/26/2022 Reviewed By: Evelyn O. Berman, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology and Pediatrics at University of Rochester, Rochester, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. Editorial update 09/06/2024. View References The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. | ||
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