Subdural Hematoma is the medical term for a condition in which blood collects between the dura and the surface of the brain. This condition is termed an emergency and usually arises due to head injuries. 

Causes of Subdural Hematoma

Older adults may become victims due to stretch and tear of blood vessels on the surface of the brain and the dura, the outer covering of the brain. In some cases, subdural hematoma may occur spontaneously. 

Who are prone to Subdural Hematoma

People who consume medications to thin the blood, people with a history of alcohol abuse, medical conditions that cause blood to clot improperly, repeated injuries and old age are some of the other causative factors. 

The symptoms of Subdural Hematoma

The usual symptoms are slurred speech, problems maintaining balance, headache, lack of energy, seizures, nausea and vomiting, weakness, vision problems, and behavioral changes. 

In all cases, immediate treatment is highly advisable. 

Types of treatment in Chronic Subdural Hematoma

Physicians will usually carry out a detailed diagnostics including MRI, CT Scan and blood tests before recommending treatment. There are two commonly used types of treatment for subdural hematoma. 

Craniotomy:

Craniotomy is the procedure usually followed for acute subdural hematoma following a severe head injury. The surgeon anesthetizes the patient, shaves the skull, drills holes, and cuts a flap in order to access the brain and the accumulated fluid. A rubber tube is used to aspirate or suck out the accumulated blood. Thereafter, the cut piece of skull is sewn back and secured with screws or plates. 

Drilling burr holes:

Drilling burr holes is another method, usually employed in cases of minor head injury or chronic subdural hematoma. Small holes are drilled after anesthetizing the patient, a rubber tube is inserted and the fluids are drained. In some cases the surgeon may carry out this procedure using a local anesthetic. 

Minor cases respond well to non-surgical intervention using bed rest, anti-seizure medications, mannitol, and corticosteroid treatment. 

This procedure usually lasts for about three to four hours. Patients are then kept in the ICU for several days and given treatment. Recovery may take months or even years depending on the severity of the condition. 

Success rate and risks in Subdural Hematoma

In most cases except severe traumatic cases, the success rate is high with a mortality rate of 3% to 6% within 30 days of surgery. About 80% of patients recover normal functions. However, there always are risks associated with brain surgeries, such as: 

• Complications may arise such as brain herniation leading to pressure on the brain to result in coma and death.
• Patients may experience memory loss, headaches, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and dizziness or even seizures. 
• There may be short term or permanent weakness, numbness, and speech impairment. 
• There may be more bleeding after surgery.
• Deep vein thrombosis in the leg vein
• Fits
• Stroke
• Infection of the skull flap.

Why India is the best option for subdural hematoma procedures

India is one of the finest medical treatment destinations for a number of reasons:

• Patients requiring emergency treatments receive priority and immediate treatments—all you have to do is book and furnish records and fix the procedure with a private clinic, a private hospital, or a large hospital. 
• India has an excellent track record of service and for care giving. There is a note of personalization in the quality of services. 
• India is home to highly skilled, world-class neurosurgeons with access to world-class facilities in private and public hospitals. 
• Costs are far more affordable while quality of treatment is excellent. Even costs of stay, transport, food, and accommodation are far more affordable after factoring the travel abroad costs. 

Subdural hematoma requires emergency treatment, even if it is a chronic condition and chances of normal recovery are high when you get treated at one of the finest facilities in India.