EPIDURAL VS. SUBDURAL BLEEDING AND HEMATOMA

Updated 1/25

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Epidural vs. subdural bleed

An epidural bleed is an arterial bleed. The patient has a brief period of unconsciousness following injury. He then becomes lucid and quickly progresses to unconsciousness and possible coma. A common site for injury is the meningeal artery which runs close to the surface, behind the ear.

A subdural bleed ( hematoma) is venous and progresses slowly. The patient may not experience any symptoms for a few days. It may even become chronic. Suspect a subdural bleed , if the patient had a fall / head injury and was initially okay, then later becomes unconscious. It is common in alcoholics.

                      Learn more about:  Subarachnoid hemorrhage