Subdural Hematoma

An acute subdural hematoma (SDH) is a rapidly clotting blood collection below the inner layer of the dura but external to the brain. Two additional stages, subacute and chronic, may develop with untreated acute subdural hematoma. Generally, the subacute hematoma phase begins 3-7 days after acute injury and the chronic phase begins about 2-3 weeks after acute injury.

The cause of SDH is related directly to the incidence of blunt head trauma. A subdural hematoma (SDH) is the most common type of brain injury and occurs in about a third of those with severe head injuries which equates to a score of less than 9 on the Glasgow Coma Scale.

Acute subdural hematoma (SDH) is associated with high mortality and morbidity rates. In fact, a simple SDH accounts for about half of all cases and simple SDH is associated with a mortality rate of about 20%. Complicated or more acute SDH accounts for the remaining SDH brain injury cases and is associated with a mortality rate of about 50%.

SDH is more common in people older than 60 years because the elderly are predisposed to cerebral atrophy because they have less resilient bridging veins. Additionally, these veins can be damaged more easily in the elderly. Since the adhesions existing in the subdural space are absent at birth and develop with aging, bilateral SDHs are also more common in infants.

The Brain Injury Lawyers at McAleer Law provide detailed information about brain injury accidents and subdural hematoma injuries. If you need more information about Brain Injury accidents and injuries, Call McAleer Law at 404-816-7374.