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[Delayed epidural hematoma after mild head injury]
Danilo Radulović1, Vesna Janosević, Miodrag Rakić
1Klinicki centar Srbije, Institut za neurohirurgiju, Beograd, Srbija i Crna Gora. rd@yubc.net
Vojnosanitetski Pregled
|October 19, 2005
Summary
Traumatic delayed epidural hematoma (DEH) can be missed on initial CT scans after mild head injuries. Early detection and surgical evacuation are crucial for favorable outcomes in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Trauma Surgery
- Neuroradiology
Background:
- Traumatic delayed epidural hematoma (DEH) is characterized by initial CT scans showing no or insignificant bleeding, followed by massive epidural bleeding on subsequent scans.
- DEH can occur following mild head injuries, presenting a diagnostic challenge.
Observation:
- Two cases of traumatic DEH following mild head injury are presented.
- Both patients were initially conscious with no neurological deficits.
- Initial CT scans did not reveal intracranial hematoma.
Findings:
- Repeated CT scans, performed due to neurological deterioration, revealed epidural hematoma in both cases.
- Surgical evacuation was performed with favorable outcomes for both patients.
Implications:
- Traumatic DEH can develop in head-injured patients who are initially conscious with normal initial CT findings.
- Prompt diagnosis and urgent surgical intervention are critical for achieving good patient outcomes.
- Highlights the importance of serial neuroimaging in cases of head trauma with evolving symptoms.