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Chronic subdural hematoma - Symptom

Alternative Names

Subdural hemorrhage - chronic; Subdural hematoma - chronic; Subdural hygroma

Symptoms:

In some cases, there may be no symptoms However, depending on the size of the hematoma and where it presses on the brain, any of the following symptoms may occur:

  • Confusion or coma
  • Decreased memory
  • Difficulty speaking or swallowing
  • Difficulty walking
  • Headache
  • Seizures
  • Weakness or numbness of arms, legs, face

Signs and tests:

Your health care provider will ask questions about your medical history. The physical exam will carefully check your brain and nervous system to check for problems with:

  • Balance
  • Coordination
  • Mental functions
  • Sensation
  • Strength
  • Walking

Because the symptoms and signs are often subtle, if there is any suspicion of a hematoma, a head CT or head MRI scan will be done to further evaluate your symptoms.

  • Reviewed last on: 8/27/2010
  • David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Daniel B. Hoch, PhD, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Hackney D. Radiologic imaging procedures. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 419.

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