What is an epidural haematoma?
An epidural haematoma is a bleed between the inside of the skull and the dura mater; this is the outer protective covering of the brain.
What causes an epidural haematoma?
The cause of an epidural haematoma is from a skull fracture in around 75% of cases, but can also occur from bleeding in a vein.
Head injuries from contact sports such as rugby; car accidents; violent attacks or falls from heights, can cause the brain to knock against the skull.
This can cause the brain’s blood vessels to rupture and/or the middle meningeal artery to tear, resulting in an epidural haematoma.
It can be a life-threatening condition and requires immediate treatment for a good outcome.
What are the symptoms of epidural haematoma?
The symptoms of epidural haematoma include:
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Severe headache
- Drowsiness and/or altered state of alertness
- Enlarged pupil in one eye
- Nausea or vomiting.
