What is a Subdural Hematoma?
A subdural hematoma occurs when a blood vessel between the skull and brain ruptures as a result of a traumatic head injury, hypertention, or brain tumor. A subdural hematoma is a collection of blood that can compress the brain tissue and cause life-threatening complications. This may result in a stroke or permanent loss of brain function. Therefore, early intervention is necessary to prevent permanent injury. In some cases, subdural hematomas can occur after minor injury. Several weeks to months later, fluid may begin to fill the cavity where the collection of blood occurred after trauma. This subdural fluid may accumulate and cause gradual pressure on the brain resulting in gradual onset of symptoms. Most common symptoms include weakness on one side of the body involving either the arm, leg, or both. Other types of intracranial hematomas include intraparenchymal hematoma, subgaleal hematoma, and epidural hematoma. All intracranial hematomas are named after the location in which they are found. With the exception of subgaleal hematomas, all other intracranial hematomas have the potential to significantly compress and compromise brain tissue function.
Treatment and Surgery for Subdural Hematoma
WARNING: If patients or healthcare providers suspect a subdural hematoma, emergent neurosurgical evaluation is warranted!
Intracranial hematomas including subdural hematomas often need to be removed surgically. Small amounts of blood can be removed through perforation, creating a small hole through the skull to suction out the blood, while large hematomas may require traditional open surgery, known as craniotomy.
Craniotomy for Subdural Hematoma
Craniotomy or brain surgery is a procedure that allows the neurosurgeon direct access to the brain. Often the head is shaved, although hair sparing techniques can be performed as well. The patient’s head may be secured in a head frame prior to preping and draping the patient in a sterile fassion. Then a drill is used to make a number of burr holes in the skull. The burr holes are then used as access points that allows the surgeon to remove part of the skull usually in a single piece or bone flap. Then an incision is made in the dura mater which is the leathery cover of the brain to expose the brain tissue. Once the neurosurgeon has access to the brain he or she can reach the offening problem (e.g., tumor, blood clot, aneurysm, etc).
At Princeton Neurological Surgery, Dr. Lipani is a board certified fellowship trained neurosurgeon in New Jersey and specialist in the treatment for subdural hematoma. Dr. Lipani treats patients from around the world as well as locally from Princeton, New Brunswick, Hopewell, Pennington and communities throughout Somerset, Middlesex, Ocean, Burlington, Monmouth, Morris and Mercer Counties for subdural hematoma. Dr. Lipani offers image guided brain surgery approaches and burr hole evacuation for subdural hematoma treatment, tailored to the needs of each patient. For state-of-the-art subdural hematoma treatment call or email us to schedule a consultation at our offices in Hamilton, Bridgewater, or Morristown, New Jersey!
Dr. Lipani performs neurosurgeries correcting subdural hematoma in hospitals around New Jersey. Because he has over 15 years of experience, Dr. Lipani knows how to communicate with his patients and ensure they receive the correct neurosurgery option for them.