Subdural haemorrhage

Question 1

how would an acute subdural haemorrhage appear on CT?

Answer 1

hyper dense (white)
isodense if hyper acute (same colour as brain)

crescent shape (not limited by suture lines)

Question 2

how would a chronic subdural haemorrhage appear on CT?

Answer 2

hypodense (black) 
crescent shape (not limited by suture lines)

Question 3

indications for surgical management of subdural haemorrhage ?

Answer 3

neurological deficit
increasing haematoma on serial scans
midline shift > 5mm
haematoma thickness > 10mm

Question 4

what are possible surgical complications for treatment of subdural haemorrhage ?

Answer 4

reoccurrence 
pneumocephalus 
intracerebral bleed 
damage to surrounding structure 
seizures 
coma / death 
infection

Question 5

risk factors for sub dural haemorrhage ?

Answer 5

acute - most commonly traumatic

chronic - alcoholics and elderly due to brain atrophy therefore more fragile or stretched bridging veins
also babies due to fragile bridging veins

Question 6

damage to what vessels are responsible for a subdural haemorrhage ?

Answer 6

bridging veins

Question 7

describe how an acute subdural haemorrhage would present ?

Answer 7

acute: may present as incidental finding in trauma or coma and