Extradural hemorrhage
Alternative names:
epidural hematoma; extradural hematoma; hematoma - epidural; hematoma - extradural
Treatment:
An extradural hemorrhage is an emergency condition! Treatment goals include taking measures to save the person's life, controling of symptoms, and minimizing or preventing permanent damage to the brain. Life support measures may be required. Emergency surgery is almost always required to reduce pressure within the brain. This may include drilling a small hole in the skull to relieve pressure and allow drainage of the blood from the brain. Large hematomas or solid blood clots may need to be removed through a larger opening in the skull (craniotomy).
Medications used in addition to surgery will vary according to the type and severity of symptoms and brain damage that occurs. Anticonvulsant medications such as phenytoin may be used to control or prevent seizures. Diuretics may be used to reduce brain swelling.
Expectations (prognosis):
An extradural hemorrhage has a high risk of death without prompt surgical intervention. There is a risk of death even with prompt surgery and other treatments.
There is a risk of permanent brain injury whether the disorder is treated or untreated. Symptoms such as seizures may persist for several months, even after treatment, but in time they usually reduce or disappear. Seizures may begin as much as 2 years after the injury.
In adults, most recovery occurs in the first 6 months, with some improvement over approximately 2 years. Children usually recover more quickly and completely than adults. Incomplete recovery is the result of brain damage.
Complications:
Calling your health care provider:
Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if symptoms of extradural hemorrhage occur.
Call your health care provider if symptoms persist after treatment, including memory loss, difficulty maintaining attention, dizziness, headache, anxiety, speech difficulties, and complete or partial loss of movement in part of the body.
Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if emergency symptoms develop after treatment, including breathing difficulties, convulsions/seizures, decreased responsiveness, loss of consciousness, enlarged pupils, and uneven pupil size.
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