Extradural hemorrhage on the flight line: case report

Epidural hematoma formation may be expected to occur in 3% of head injuries. The unique pathophysiology of this lesion may complicate early diagnosis, resulting in significant morbidity and mortality if definitive surgical intervention is delayed. Personnel required to work at significant heights servicing large cargo aircraft are certainly at risk for this type of trauma. A case is presented of a traumatic extradural hematoma in a ground aircraft crewman with successful neurosurgical treatment, along with a discussion of the salient features of this potentially lethal traumatic neuropathology.