Subdural Health Dictionary

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Subdural: From 2 Different Sources

Relating to the space between the strong outer layer of the MENINGES, the membranes which cover the BRAIN, and the arachnoid, which is the middle layer of the meninges. A subdural haemorrhage occurs when bleeding takes place into this space. The trapped blood forms a large blood clot or haematoma within the skull and this causes pressure on the underlying brain. Bleeding may occur slowly as the result of disease or suddenly as the result of injury. Headaches, confusion and drowsiness result, sometimes with paralysis. Medical attention is required urgently if a serious haematoma occurs soon after injury.
Health Source: Medical Dictionary
Author: Health Dictionary
adj. below the dura mater (the outermost of the meninges); relating to the space between the dura mater and arachnoid. See also haematoma.
Health Source: Oxford | Concise Colour Medical Dictionary
Author: Jonathan Law, Elizabeth Martin

Subdural Haemorrhage

Bleeding into the space between the outer and middle layers of the meninges, usually following head injury. The trapped blood slowly forms a large clot within the skull that presses on brain tissue. The symptoms, which tend to fluctuate, may include headache, confusion, drowsiness, and one-sided weakness or paralysis. The interval between the injury and the start of symptoms varies from days to months. Diagnosis is by CT scanning or MRI. In many cases, surgical treatment is needed. This involves drilling burr holes in the skull (see craniotomy), so that the blood can be drained out and damaged blood vessels repaired. If treatment is carried out at an early enough stage, the person usually makes a full recovery. A subdural haemorrhage that is small and produces few symptoms may not require any treatment. The affected

person is usually monitored with regular scans, and the clot may clear up on its own. (See also extradural haemorrhage.)... subdural haemorrhage


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