A brain hematoma or intracranial hematoma is a collection of blood within the skull. The hematoma can occur within the brain or between the brain and skull – both hematomas can put pressure on the brain that results in symptoms. Brain hematomas are a severe condition that can be life-threatening. Our superior neurosurgery team at Battle Born Brain and Spine can provide advanced treatment for brain hematomas through our medical center in the Reno, NV area.

Causes and Symptoms of Intracranial Hematomas

The most common cause of a brain hematoma is a head injury. Trauma to the head or skull from a vehicle accident, sports injury or personal violence can result in broken blood vessels that cause bleeding in the brain or skull. Subdural hematomas occur between the brain and the outer membranes (dura mater) that cover your brain. An epidural hematoma is bleeding between the skull and the dura mater. The third type of brain hematoma is an intracerebral hematoma, which occurs inside the brain tissues – this can also be caused by trauma, but aneurysms, hypertension, congenital defects and tumors can also cause these types of brain hematomas.

Symptoms of intracranial hematomas depend on the type and cause. For brain hematomas from trauma, the symptoms may appear immediately or there may be a delay in symptoms, even weeks after a trauma occurs. Symptoms may include:

• Headache that increases in intensity
• Vomiting and nausea
• Dizziness and confusion
• Pupil size is uneven
• Slurred or changed speech
• Feeling drowsy or moments of losing consciousness
• Paralysis on opposite side of body from point of head injury
• Seizures
• Lethargy and loss of consciousness

People with a brain hematoma can have some or all of the symptoms – any sign of an intracranial hematoma requires immediate medical attention, as this can be life threatening.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Hematomas / Bleeds

Diagnosis of brain hematomas is performed with brains scans, usually a CT scan or MRI. An angiogram may be performed if there is concern about an aneurysm or blood vessel problem contributing to the intracranial bleed.

Brain hematoma treatment depends on the size and severity. Small hematomas may only require observation of the patient to ensure the hematoma heals and drains. Larger hematomas usually require surgery to either drain the hematoma through a small hole in the skull or through a craniotomy.

 

If you need a top neurosurgeon for brain hematoma diagnosis or treatment in the Carson City/Reno, NV area, contact Battle Born Brain and Spine today.