Subdural hematoma (SDH), sometimes referred to as subdural hemorrhage, is a condition in which a collection of blood forms between the dura (the thick, outermost protective covering of the brain) and the arachnoid (the transparent, middle covering of the brain). Tiny veins called bridging veins run between the dura and the surface of the brain. A subdural hematoma develops when these veins tear and leak blood, usually as the result of a head injury. There are two major forms of SDH: acute and chronic. Acute SDH typically occurs minutes to hours after direct head trauma; however, acute SDH can also occur from acceleration forces alone, as seen with whiplash, especially in the elderly and those taking anticoagulant medications. An acute SDH is considered a medical emergency. Chronic SDH usually develops over time. Chronic SDH may or may not be accompanied by a history of injury. Studies show that 20–30% of patients with chronic SDH recall no head injury. In a chronic SDH, the blood...
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El‐Kadi H, Miele VJ, Kaufman HH (2000) Prognosis of chronic subdural hematomas. Neurosurg Clin N Am 11(3):553–567
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Spiegel, J. (2008). Subdural Hematoma. In: Loue, S.J., Sajatovic, M. (eds) Encyclopedia of Aging and Public Health. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-33754-8_418
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-33754-8_418
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