Head Trauma

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a type of cerebrovascular accident (stroke) resulting from intracranial hemorrhage into the subarachnoid space between the arachnoid and the pia mater layers of the meninges surrounding the brain. Most SAHs originate from a saccular aneurysm in the circle of Willis but may also occur as a result of trauma, uncontrolled hypertension, vasculitis, anticoagulant use, or stimulant use. The most classic symptom is a sudden-onset (thunderclap) headache along with neck stiffness, vomiting, a decreased level of consciousness, and seizure. As with any stroke, focal neurologic deficits are commonly present, and rapid neurologic deterioration may ensue without prompt diagnosis and intervention. An SAH should be suspected in any person presenting with thunderclap headache and neurologic symptoms, and the diagnosis can be confirmed with neuroimaging or lumbar puncture (LP). Treatment consists of reversal of anticoagulation, control of blood pressure, and neurosurgical intervention to contain the bleed and/or relieve elevated intracranial pressure (ICP). Even with prompt neurosurgical intervention, SAH carries a high mortality rate.

Subdural hemorrhage (SDH) is bleeding into the space between the dural and arachnoid meningeal layers surrounding the brain. The most common mechanism triggering the bleeding event is trauma (e.g., closed head injury) causing a tearing injury to the extracerebral “bridging” veins, but rupture of small arteries within this space or intracranial hypotension may also be causative. Acute SDH presents, immediately following head trauma, with an altered level of consciousness that may span from a momentary loss of consciousness to coma, which makes it a potentially life-threatening condition. Chronic SDH may also occur, presenting with a more gradual neurologic deterioration. Diagnosis is based on clinical suspicion following head trauma and confirmed with neuroimaging (e.g., noncontrast head CT). Management includes stabilization, stopping (possibly reversing) all anticoagulants, monitoring in a neurologic ICU, and neurosurgical intervention.

Epidural hemorrhage (EDH) is an event characterized by bleeding into the epidural space between the dural layers of the meninges and the skull. The primary mechanism triggering bleeding is trauma (i.e., closed head injury), which causes arterial injury, most commonly middle meningeal artery injury. Epidural hemorrhage presents acutely, usually immediately (seconds to hours) following head trauma, with an altered level of consciousness that may span from a momentary loss of consciousness to coma. Diagnosis is based on clinical suspicion following head trauma and is confirmed with neuroimaging (i.e., noncontrast head CT). Management includes stabilization, stopping (possibly, the reversal) of all anticoagulants, monitoring in a neurologic ICU, and neurosurgical intervention.

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) refers to a spontaneous or traumatic bleed into the brain parenchyma and is the 2nd-most common cause of cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs), commonly known as stroke, after ischemic CVAs. Trauma, hypertension, vasculopathy, vascular malformations, tumors, coagulopathy, and hemorrhagic conversion of ischemic stroke may all be causative factors. Clinical presentation may vary depending on the size and location of the hemorrhage and may range from headache, neurologic signs and symptoms, and altered level of consciousness to coma. Treatment includes stabilization, stopping or reversing of anticoagulation, blood pressure control, monitoring in a neurologic ICU, and possible neurosurgical intervention. Intracerebral hemorrhage is associated with significant morbidity and mortality.

Epidural hemorrhage (EDH) is an event characterized by bleeding into the epidural space between the dural layers of the meninges and the skull. The primary mechanism triggering bleeding is trauma (i.e., closed head injury), which causes arterial injury, most commonly middle meningeal artery injury. Epidural hemorrhage presents acutely, usually immediately (seconds to hours) following head trauma, with an altered level of consciousness that may span from a momentary loss of consciousness to coma. Diagnosis is based on clinical suspicion following head trauma and is confirmed with neuroimaging (i.e., noncontrast head CT). Management includes stabilization, stopping (possibly, the reversal) of all anticoagulants, monitoring in a neurologic ICU, and neurosurgical intervention.

Subdural hemorrhage (SDH) is bleeding into the space between the dural and arachnoid meningeal layers surrounding the brain. The most common mechanism triggering the bleeding event is trauma (e.g., closed head injury) causing a tearing injury to the extracerebral “bridging” veins, but rupture of small arteries within this space or intracranial hypotension may also be causative. Acute SDH presents, immediately following head trauma, with an altered level of consciousness that may span from a momentary loss of consciousness to coma, which makes it a potentially life-threatening condition. Chronic SDH may also occur, presenting with a more gradual neurologic deterioration. Diagnosis is based on clinical suspicion following head trauma and confirmed with neuroimaging (e.g., noncontrast head CT). Management includes stabilization, stopping (possibly reversing) all anticoagulants, monitoring in a neurologic ICU, and neurosurgical intervention.

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a type of cerebrovascular accident (stroke) resulting from intracranial hemorrhage into the subarachnoid space between the arachnoid and the pia mater layers of the meninges surrounding the brain. Most SAHs originate from a saccular aneurysm in the circle of Willis but may also occur as a result of trauma, uncontrolled hypertension, vasculitis, anticoagulant use, or stimulant use. The most classic symptom is a sudden-onset (thunderclap) headache along with neck stiffness, vomiting, a decreased level of consciousness, and seizure. As with any stroke, focal neurologic deficits are commonly present, and rapid neurologic deterioration may ensue without prompt diagnosis and intervention. An SAH should be suspected in any person presenting with thunderclap headache and neurologic symptoms, and the diagnosis can be confirmed with neuroimaging or lumbar puncture (LP). Treatment consists of reversal of anticoagulation, control of blood pressure, and neurosurgical intervention to contain the bleed and/or relieve elevated intracranial pressure (ICP). Even with prompt neurosurgical intervention, SAH carries a high mortality rate.

Head trauma occurs when external forces are directed to the skull and brain structures, resulting in damage to the skull, brain, and intracranial structures. Head injuries can be classified as open (penetrating) or closed (blunt), and primary (from the initial trauma) or secondary (indirect brain injury), and range from mild to severe and life-threatening. The majority of cases are mild, but presentation can vary from a mild concussion to a comatose state depending on the severity of the insult. Management ranges from observation to intensive care monitoring and neurosurgical interventions. Prognosis is good for mild injuries, but severe trauma can result in death or permanent damage.