Chronic subdural hematoma - review article

Chronic subdural hematoma (ChSDH) is, by definition, a subdural collection of blood older than 21 days. It is not exceptional that ChSDH is diagnosed in regional hospitals and thus we believe that basic knowledge on this topic is relevant for every general surgeon. Below, we summarize information on ChSDH and present simple clinical management guidelines.

In asymptomatic patients with ChSDH, monitoring alone may be sufficient. Subdural collections of only a few millimeters are a relatively common incidental finding on graphical examination of the brain, especially in the elderly with brain atrophy. In symptomatic patients, surgical treatment is justified. As a first step, burr hole evacuation of the hematoma in local anesthesia is performed. It is a simple, well-tolerated procedure and advantageous in elderly polymorbid patients. In symptomatic patients with recurrent ChSDH, reoperation using either the same burr hole or a new one is indicated. Patients with multilobulated hematomas that recur after the burr hole are scheduled for a craniotomy.

ChSDH is a common condition encountered by all general surgeons during their clinical practice. The most common clinical presentations of ChSDH are headache, confusion, hemiparesis and aphasia. Asymptomatic patients may be followed by watchful waiting, whereas symptomatic patients are indicated for surgical treatment. All patients with ChSDH should be referred to a neurosurgical department (preferably a certified level 1 trauma center) with experience in neurotrauma care.