Rapid Review: Subdural Hematoma

Reviewed March 2024

Subdural Hematoma

• Risk factors: traumatic head injury, advancing age, anticoagulant use, coagulopathy, thrombocytopenia
• Caused by tearing of the bridging veins between arachnoid and dura
• Sx: acute or subacute neuro sx, headache, mental status changes, seizures, or focal deficits
• Dx: crescent-shaped hematoma on noncontrast CT
• Management includes neurosurgical consultation, blood pressure control, reversal of anticoagulation

Sample question:

A 68-year-old man presents to the ED after a fall down 12 stairs. On physical exam, you note a large parietal scalp hematoma. His noncontrast computed tomography scan of the head shows a crescent-shaped hematoma. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?