1. Subdural Hematoma as a Condition
A collection of blood in the space that is between the middle layer of the brain and its outer layer is called a subdural hematoma. It is caused by bleeding veins, which are located on the inside of the brain, and can happen after a blow or punch to your head. This condition can be life threatening if not found and treated quickly due to the pressure it causes on the brain.
2. Diagnosing is the Key to Treatment
The first step in diagnosing acute subdural hematoma is taking an accurate history and physical exam. Based on any variation in your vital signs or degree of mentation, the doctor will decided what other diagnostic tools to use to help diagnose any brain issues.
3. Using an Angiogram to Visualize Your Brain
An imaging tool used to diagnose problems with veins or arteries in the brain, such as subdural hematomas, is called cerebral angiography. This procedure involves the use of catheters (very thin tubes) inserted into a vein to deliver a dye to outline the veins and arteries of the brain, which can be viewed on a monitor screen. This test shows areas of the brain that are abnormal and can also help to see if this is caused by a subdural hematoma.
4. Magnets and Your Brain
A MRI is a super powerful magnet which is computer linked to show pictures with great detail of your brain, These images can then been seen on a monitor and can be printed if needed. The images present a 3D picture of the anatomy of the brain and are able to find areas of bleeding, abnormalities and swelling.
5. Early Diagnosis and Treatment
Research had been done over the last 10 years that supports the idea that brain damage does not always happen immediately following the discovery of the occurrence of subdural hematoma. The damage that occurs in the brain can be attributed to the swelling caused by the actual formation of the subdural hematoma.
