Subdural haematoma

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There are three membranes that cover the brain and spinal chord. Together they are known as the Meninges. The space between the two outer membranes is called the subdural space. If a vein in the subdural space is torn, blood escapes into the subdural space and can cause a blood clot to form. This type of blood clot that forms between the brain and the outer membrane is called a subdural haematoma. As it gets bigger, the blood clot presses on the brain, and can cause symptoms such as headache and confusion.

As a subdural haematoma increases in size, it begins to compress the brain, and causes intracranial pressure. The brain swells under the pressure of the blood clot, and is squeezed against the unyielding walls of the skull. This restricts the flow of blood to the brain, and bruises its soft tissue. A blood clot such as this is potentially life threatening, and needs urgent medical treatment to prevent brain damage or death.

Subdural haematomas can develop suddenly from a head injury that causes a large amount of blood to escape rapidly from a torn vein. This type of clot is known as an acute subdural haemorrhage. Blood clots can also develop slowly after a relatively minor injury, as blood gradually accumulates in the subdural space. This type of clot is known as a chronic subdural haemorrhage, and can remain undetected for some time.