[Chronic subdural hematoma in the elderly]

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Geriatric Medicine

Background:

• Chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is increasingly prevalent due to aging populations and antithrombotic drug use.
• cSDH presents with non-specific symptoms and neurological deficits, typically necessitating surgical intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current management and outcomes of chronic subdural hematoma.
• To highlight the need for further investigation into adjunctive pharmacological therapies for cSDH.

Main Methods:

• Review of current surgical standards for cSDH, including burr hole trepanation and twist drill craniostomy.
• Discussion of recurrence rates and outcomes in elderly patients with cSDH and comorbidities.

Main Results:

• Surgical treatment, primarily minimally invasive procedures, is the standard for cSDH.
• Recurrences are common but often manageable, with good outcomes achievable even in elderly patients.
• cSDH is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, particularly in patients with comorbidities.

Conclusions:

• Current surgical approaches for cSDH are effective, with good outcomes in most cases, including the elderly.
• Further controlled trials are required to evaluate the efficacy of pharmacological therapies as an adjunct to surgery for cSDH.