A subdural hematoma is a bleed that forms a clot inside of the head. This bleed is categorized as a subdural hematoma when it occurs between the dura mater and the arachnoid matter surrounding the brain.

The most common cause for a subdural hematoma is trauma to the head. The bleeding can occur when veins in this space are stretched and torn such as what happens in a severe impact. Brain atrophy, a shrinking of the brain, can also cause enough stress on these veins to induce a rupture and a bleed.

While brain atrophy can be related to diseases such as Alzheimers and many others, it can also occur due to alcoholism and naturally in seniors. Head trauma is a leading cause of sever injury and is seen in a wide range of activities from traffic collisions to sporting injuries and accidents.

Symptoms of a subdural hematoma can be very similar to those known for concussions. Anyone experiencing nausea, dizziness and memory loss should receive immediate medical attention where a CT scan or MRI can quickly determine if a bleed has occurred within the head.

Computer Tomography or a CT scan is a very quick procedure. Doctors order this test regularly for a large number of disorders. With respect to a brain injury, radiologists can quickly determine if a clot has formed in the meninges layers that protect the brain.

Acute subdural hematoma's are often life threatening due to the nature in which they are received. Often severe head trauma, such as those cases experienced in automobile accidents where the sheer amount of force to the head has caused such incredible damage that the bleeding occurs at such a rapid rate that the pressure on the brain causes life threatening type of damage.

The outlook for chronic subdural hematoma's is far greater. These bleeds occur at a much slower onset and because of their pace present a much better chance of being stopped prior to causing severe brain injury or death. Often chronic subdural symptoms may not even present themselves and these minor subdural bleeds will repair themselves over time.

While the acute trauma injuries are instant and life threatening, the chronic subdural hematoma may take weeks, months, or even years of bleeding at a very slow rate before they start to cause enough pressure within the head to provoke symptoms.

Severe bleeds can cause enormous pressure on the brain and immediate surgical attention may be required. Often less serious cases are treated without surgery.

Burr hole surgery is typically the first resort when medical evacuation of the subdural hematoma is required. A catheter is placed into the blood clot after a small hole is drilled through the skull. Often this drain is left for a period of time to allow as much drainage as possible.

Craniotomy surgery is performed when a burr hole surgery would not be effective. This procedure involves removing a portion of the skull in order to cleanse to affected area. The bone flap is then put back into place and the scalp sewn up in place.