Subdural Hematoma: Causes and symptoms

A subdural hematoma is caused by an injury to the head that tears blood vessels. In childhood, hematomas are a common complication of falls. A subdural hematoma also may be an indication of child abuse, as evidenced by shaken baby syndrome.

Symptoms tend to fluctuate, and include:

• headache
• episodes of confusion and drowsiness
• one-sided weakness or paralysis
• lethargy

• enlarged or asymmetric pupils
• convulsions or loss of consciousness after head injury
• coma

A doctor should be contacted immediately if symptoms appear. Because these symptoms mimic the signs of a stroke, the patient should tell the doctor about any head injury within the previous few months.

In an infant, symptoms may include increased pressure within the skull, growing head size, bulging fontanelle (one of two soft spots on a infant's skull), vomiting, irritability, lethargy, and seizures. In cases of child abuse, there may be fractures of the skull or other bones.

— Carol A. Turkington