Chronic Subdural Hematoma: Risks and Recovery After Head Injury

Chronic subdural hematoma

Hello Doctor, on October 7th, I fell off my bike after hitting a pothole while traveling at 30 km/h.
I landed on my shoulder first, resulting in a closed fracture of my right clavicle.
I also hit my head on the ground, but it wasn't a hard impact, and my helmet did not come off.
There was no bleeding or open wounds.
So far, I haven't experienced any unusual symptoms.
When I went to the emergency room, they mentioned that I had hit my head, but the doctor did not examine my head.
I'm a bit worried now.
I looked up chronic subdural hematoma online, and although it mostly affects older adults, is it possible for me to develop this condition? How long should I monitor myself to feel more at ease?

Yu, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/10/23

Dr. Zhang Junwei reply Neurosurgery

In my over ten years of medical practice, I have never encountered a 19-year-old with chronic subdural hematoma.

Reply Date: 2017/10/23

More Info

Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a condition that can arise after head injuries, particularly in older adults, but it can also occur in younger individuals under certain circumstances. It is characterized by the accumulation of blood between the dura mater and the brain, often resulting from a tear in the bridging veins due to trauma. In your case, while you experienced a fall and a minor head impact, the absence of immediate symptoms such as loss of consciousness, severe headache, or visible wounds is reassuring. However, it is wise to remain vigilant for any delayed symptoms.

The risk of developing a chronic subdural hematoma after a head injury can vary based on several factors, including age, the severity of the injury, and individual health conditions. In younger individuals, the likelihood of developing CSDH is lower, especially if the injury was not severe and there were no significant symptoms immediately following the incident. However, it is important to note that CSDH can sometimes develop weeks or even months after the initial injury, particularly if there are underlying conditions such as anticoagulant use, alcohol abuse, or pre-existing brain atrophy.

Regarding your specific situation, it is advisable to monitor for any symptoms that may arise in the coming weeks. Common symptoms of CSDH include persistent headaches, changes in consciousness, confusion, weakness, or seizures. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly.
In terms of observation, while there is no strict timeline, a general recommendation is to remain vigilant for at least 2-4 weeks following a head injury, especially if there was any impact to the head. If you notice any concerning symptoms during this period, it would be prudent to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation, which may include imaging studies like a CT scan or MRI to rule out any hematoma formation.

In summary, while the risk of developing a chronic subdural hematoma exists, particularly after head trauma, your current lack of symptoms is a positive sign. Continue to monitor your condition closely, and do not hesitate to seek medical advice if you have any concerns. It is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to head injuries.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Chronic Subdural Hematoma and Epilepsy After Brain Injury

The patient previously sustained injuries from a car accident, resulting in delayed intracranial hemorrhage, which the physician has diagnosed as chronic subdural hematoma. The patient has been hospitalized and has been on antiepileptic medication for nearly six months. An MRI ex...

Dr. Cai Zongzhang reply Neurology
Hello Mr. Li: Brain hemorrhage often has epilepsy as a sequela. The duration of medication depends on the frequency of seizures. Whether chronic subdural hematoma requires surgical treatment also depends on the symptoms. It is recommended to visit a neurosurgery outpatient clinic...

Understanding Chronic Subdural Hematoma: Symptoms and Timeline

Chronic subdural hematoma can occur weeks to months after an initial head injury, but it is possible for symptoms to develop even up to several years later, including 1 or 2 years after the injury. It can lead to facial weakness and may also cause neck stiffness and swelling, dep...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
According to your description, chronic subdural hematoma is commonly seen in the elderly, with an average onset age of 63 years. Approximately 50% of patients can trace a history of head trauma occurring one to two months prior to the onset of symptoms. Due to the diverse clinica...

Understanding Rehabilitation Duration After Chronic Subdural Hematoma Surgery

Hello Doctor, my father (78 years old) suffered a head injury in mid-March. Due to his use of anticoagulants, he experienced headaches, dizziness, and speech difficulties by the end of March, leading to an emergency visit where he was diagnosed with chronic subdural hematoma. Aft...

Dr. Zhao Shaoqing reply Neurosurgery
Hello: Whether chronic subdural hematoma requires rehabilitation treatment should primarily depend on clinical symptoms. You may consult your rehabilitation physician for an evaluation and discussion. Wishing you a speedy recovery. The Ministry of Health and Welfare Changhua Hosp...

Recovering from Subdural Hematoma After a Car Accident: Key Insights

Hello, Doctor. I was in a car accident on December 4th last year, which resulted in a subdural hematoma. The doctor said that surgery was not necessary and that it would be absorbed on its own. My Glasgow Coma Scale score was between 13 and 15. I have since been discharged and ha...

Dr. Zhao Shaoqing reply Neurosurgery
Hello; you can generally arrange for a computed tomography (CT) scan of the brain at the outpatient clinic to assess the status of blood absorption before evaluating the work.