Epidural Hematomas: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment
An epidural hematoma is bleeding that occurs between the skull and the membrane surrounding the brain. It may be caused by physical trauma such as a blow to the head, or by a surgical error committed during brain surgery.
The symptoms of an epidural hematoma may not become fully apparent until hours after the injury occurs. That’s why it’s crucial for patients to seek medical attention right away after suffering a blow to the head.
What Causes Epidural Hematoma?
The outermost membrane protecting your brain is called the dura. When the brain is damaged by blunt force trauma, ruptured blood vessels in the dura cause bleeding that damages brain tissue.
A skull fracture often occurs in conjunction with severe head trauma that causes an epidural hematoma. The condition may also be the result of a surgical error. Epidural hematomas can be caused by the following:
- Automobile collisions
- Bicycle crashes
- Motorcycle collisions
- Sports injuries
- Slip-and-falls
- Assault
- Workplace injuries
- Medical malpractice
Symptoms of Epidural Hematoma
As the brain becomes compressed and tissue is damaged by bleeding, serious symptoms will begin to emerge. This may include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Irritability
- Drowsiness
- Dilated pupils
- Difficulty speaking
- Memory loss
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of consciousness
- Increased blood pressure
- Confusion or disorientation
- Weakness on one side of the body
Diagnosis and Treatment
When a patient suffers a head injury, they need to get to the emergency room as quickly as possible. To screen for traumatic brain injury (TBI), doctors will provide a physical exam and a neurological evaluation that includes advanced brain imaging technology such as CT scans or MRIs.
It’s essential to get the correct diagnosis right away so doctors can begin administering effective treatment. This may include surgery to remove the hematoma and medications that reduce swelling and prevent seizures.
Epidural Hematoma and Medical Malpractice
Epidural hematoma may be caused or compounded by medical malpractice, which is harm that results when doctors and other healthcare professionals make careless mistakes that deviate from standard medical practices.
Examples of medical malpractice that may result in harm from epidural hematoma include:
- Surgical errors
- Failure to diagnose
- Delayed treatment
- Failure to correctly administer anticoagulant medication
Schedule a Free Consultation Today
At Leventhal Puga Braley P.C., we’ve won record-breaking settlements for our clients. We will investigate your case and file a claim against anyone whose negligent behavior contributed to your injuries.
Call (877) 433-3906 to learn more today.