Etymed
subdural hematoma
Definition
A pathological condition characterized by the accumulation of blood between the dura mater and the arachnoid mater of the brain, typically resulting from trauma or bleeding from bridging veins.
Clinical context
A 35-year-old man presents to the emergency department after falling off a ladder, landing on his head. He complains of headache and confusion that has progressively worsened over the past few hours. A CT scan reveals a biconvex-shaped hematoma separated from the skull with mass effect. His Glasgow Coma Scale score is 13. What is the most likely diagnosis? What is the most common cause of this condition?
Mnemonic
SUBDURAL = Sudden head trauma with bridging vein rupture causing blood collection between dura and arachnoid
These morphemes also unlock…
- sub- — under; below
- dur/a — hard; dura mater
- -al — pertaining to
- hemat/o — blood
- -oma — tumor; mass; collection