What Is Intracranial Hematoma?
When a blood vessel bursts between the skull and brain or within the brain, intracranial hematoma occurs. The accumulation of blood tends to compress the brain tissues.
In addition to this, the condition may occur as the surrounding fluid of the brain cannot absorb or stop the force of an unexpected blow. Such causes the brain to slide against the inner skull wall forcefully, causing bruises. Intracranial hematoma is a serious condition that needs instant treatment. Often, surgery is needed to remove the blood.
What Are The Symptoms Of Intracranial Hematoma?
Symptoms associated with intracranial hematoma tend to become prominent soon after a blow to the head, nevertheless, in rare instances, they may appear after some weeks or even longer. Few common symptoms of intracranial hematoma include:
- Dizziness.
- Drowsiness.
- Vomiting.
- Progressive consciousness loss.
- Increasing headache.
- Increased blood pressure.
- Slurred speech.
- Uneven pupil size.
- Confusion.
As more and more blood accumulates in the brain or the fine space between the skull and brain, few additional signs tend to become apparent, for example:
- Unconsciousness.
- Seizures.
- Lethargy.
What Causes Intracranial Hematoma?
Often, head injury is the major reason to ground intracranial hematoma. Head injury may consequence from motorcycle or automobile accidents, sport injuries, assaults and falls.
Moreover, in case of being an older adult, intracranial hematoma may also be caused by a mild head trauma.
How Is Intracranial Hematoma Diagnosed?
Diagnosing intracranial hematoma can be a difficult task as one may seem completely fine after receiving an injury. Though, imaging techniques can be the useful means to determine the size and position of a hematoma. Such include:
- MRI scan, Magnetic resonance imaging scan.
- CT scan, computerized tomography.
How Is Intracranial Hematoma Treated?
Few instances of intracranial hematomas may not require instant removal as they produce no symptoms or are very small. Since the symptoms can become noticeable or worsen after weeks of injury, treatment becomes mandatory. Below are the few treatment options of intracranial hematoma:
- Blood thinning medication: for example warfarin.
- Surgery: Often, surgery is suggested for treating intracranial hematoma. The doctor can suggest any of the following surgery options depending upon the characteristics of intracranial hematoma:
1. Craniotomy or
2. Surgical drainage.
After the surgery, anticonvulsant drugs are often prescribed by the doctor in order to prevent or control post-traumatic seizures. Following conditions can persist for some months after surgery:
- Headaches.
- Sleep problems.
- Anxiety.
- Attention difficulties.
- Amnesia.
In case neurological problems persist even after your treatment, then you will be needing physical and occupational therapy.
Prevention:
Certain steps can prevent or help reducing the chances of head injury:
- Wear a well- fitted helmet while riding a motorcycle, playing sports, skating, skiing or performing any other activities that can consequent in head injury.
- Wear a seat belt while you drive. Encourage your children to buckle their seat belts as well.
- Discourage your children from climbing unsteady or unsafe objects.
By : Natural Health News
