Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 18, 2026
09:14
Pre-Chiasmatic, Single Injection of Autologous Blood to Induce Experimental Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in a Rat Model
Published on: June 18, 2021
[Chronic subdural hematoma and psychotic decompensation].
1Service de psychiatrie A, hôpital Razi-Manouba, Tunis, Tunisie. rabaa.jomli@yahoo.fr
L'Encephale
|September 18, 2012
Summary
Elderly psychiatric symptoms may signal chronic subdural hematoma (HSDC). Prompt neuroimaging is crucial for diagnosis and timely treatment, leading to symptom resolution and recovery.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
Context:
- Tunisia's aging population necessitates understanding age-related health issues.
- Chronic subdural hematoma (HSDC) is increasingly relevant in the elderly, often presenting with subtle or atypical symptoms.
- HSDC can manifest as psychiatric disorders, complicating diagnosis in older adults.
Purpose:
- To highlight the diagnostic challenge of HSDC presenting with psychiatric symptoms in the elderly.
- To emphasize the importance of neuroimaging in evaluating unexplained behavioral changes in older patients.
- To present a case study of successful non-surgical management of HSDC with psychiatric manifestations.
Summary:
- An 81-year-old man with new-onset psychiatric symptoms, including delusions and hallucinations, was diagnosed with chronic frontoparietal subdural hematoma.
- Despite the absence of significant compression, high-dose steroids were administered, leading to complete hematoma resorption and symptom resolution.
- This case underscores that HSDC can present primarily with psychiatric disturbances, necessitating systematic neuroimaging in the elderly.
Impact:
- Suggests that neuroimaging should be a routine investigation for elderly patients with new psychiatric symptoms.
- Demonstrates that non-surgical management with steroids can be effective for HSDC presenting with psychiatric symptoms.
- Advocates for a thorough diagnostic approach in elderly patients to avoid attributing symptoms to aging alone.
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