Subdural Hematoma
Definition
is a type of bleed inside your head
Types of Subdural hematomas
Acute: This is the most dangerous type of subdural hematoma. Symptoms are severe and appear right after a head injury, often within minutes to hours
Subacute: Symptoms usually appear hours to days or even weeks after the head injury. A subacute subdural hematoma can occur with a concussion
Chronic: This type of hematoma is more common in older people. Bleeding occurs slowly and symptoms may not appear for weeks or months. Even minor head injuries can cause chronic subdural hematomas
Symptoms
Headache that doesn’t go away
Confusion and drowsiness
Nausea and vomiting
Slurred speech and changes in vision
Dizziness, loss of balance, difficulty walking
Weakness on one side of the body
Memory loss, disorientation, and personality changes, especially in older adults with chronic subdural hematoma
Enlarged head in babies, whose soft skulls can enlarge as blood collects
Diagnosis
Objective data
Subjective Data
The neurology exam will include blood pressure checks
vision testing
balance and strength testing, as well as reflex tests and a memory check.
Treatment
A surgeon drills one or more holes in the skull to drain the blood
Additional surgery may be needed to remove large or thick blood clots if present
Bed rest, medications and observation may be all that is needed
Nursing Care plan
Nursing Intervention
Rationale
Monitor the patient for any signs of seizure activity
Administer anticonvulsants as directed and monitor therapeutic levels on a routine basis
SDH due to traumatic injury increases the risk of epileptic seizures
Antiepilepsy medicines aid in the control of seizures