Nonsurgical Extradural Hematoma in Intensive Care: Predictive Factors for Progression

Introduction Extradural hematoma (EDH) is a potentially life-threatening neurosurgical emergency that typically requires urgent surgical evacuation to prevent neurological deterioration and death. However, a subset of patients can be managed nonsurgically in the ICU with close neurological monitoring. This study aimed to identify predictive factors for EDH progression in patients managed conservatively in the ICU. Materials and methods We conducted a retrospective analytical study of patients admitted to the surgical ICU of Mohammed VI University Hospital Center in Marrakesh over a five-year period. The study included patients with post-traumatic EDH who were initially managed nonsurgically. Results A total of 61 cases were included, of which 12 patients eventually required delayed surgery. EDH progression was significantly associated with temporal location (p = 0.046), large hematoma volume (p = 0.002), coagulopathy (p = 0.04), a Glasgow Coma Scale score ≥13 at admission (p = 0.04), and early CT scanning (p = 0.0005). Conclusions Our findings suggest that the presence of certain predictive factors may indicate a higher risk of EDH progression. These cases require close monitoring and preparedness for surgical intervention to optimize patient outcomes.