A subdural hematoma is a type of brain injury that happens when a blood vessel has been broken. There is bleeding within the brain tissue itself. This could be a relatively “minor” amount of bleeding compared to other types of injuries, but it is still very significant because of where it is located.
As this bleeding progresses, the symptoms you see are going to become more and more pronounced. They may include:
- Mental fog and confusion
- Persistent headaches, or headaches that get worse
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
- Trouble with balance or other motor skills
- Excessive fatigue and difficulty waking up
One of the important things to keep an eye on is how these symptoms progress over time. You could have a minor injury like a concussion, for instance, that also leads to a headache. It should heal relatively quickly, so your symptoms will get better. But if they’re getting worse, that could indicate that the issue is a subdural hematoma because the bleeding is making the symptoms more pronounced as pressure builds up inside the skull.
Do you need medical treatment?
Yes, it is wise to seek medical treatment after any head injury, but especially if you think you have a subdural hematoma. People will sometimes try to wait and see if the symptoms get better, perhaps assuming they have a concussion or another minor injury. But without medical intervention, a subdural hematoma could eventually turn fatal.
That said, the type of medical care you need for a head injury can be very expensive. If you were injured by the negligence of another driver, make sure you know how to seek financial compensation.
