Subdural Hematoma (chronic)

Overview

This is a slow buildup of clotted blood beneath the dura. That's a membrane covering your brain. This clotted blood presses against your brain. When we say you have a "chronic" subdural hematoma, it means the blood has been there for several weeks.

Causes

What causes this bleeding? It's usually linked to a head injury that tears tiny blood vessels between the brain and the dura. The blood may leak so slowly you don't realize it.

In the elderly

This is especially true in the elderly. That's because our brains shrink as we age. The blood vessels there stretch and weaken. In some elderly people, even a slight bump to the head can cause bleeding.

Risk factors

Your risk is higher for this type of hematoma if your blood doesn't clot normally, or if you are a long-term, heavy alcohol user. Your risk is also higher if you're a long-term user of blood thinners or other medications that can affect blood clotting.

Symptoms

What are the symptoms? You can have a hematoma and not know it. If you do have symptoms, you may have things like headache and drowsiness. You may have confusion and memory problems. You may have trouble speaking or walking. Ask your doctor for a full list of symptoms.

Treatment

How do we treat it? We may recommend surgery to drain or remove the extra blood. But not every patient needs treatment. If your hematoma isn't causing problems, we may leave it alone. Your doctor will create a plan that's right for you.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.