Patient Education: Subdural Hematoma

UNDERSTANDING Subdural Hematoma

A subdural hematoma is when blood collects between the brain and the thin covering around it (the dura). This happens because a blood vessel breaks, usually from a head injury. The pressure from this blood can hurt the brain.

Types of Subdural Hematoma

Acute: Happens right after a serious injury; very dangerous.
Subacute: Shows up a few days after the injury.
Chronic: May take weeks to appear, usually in older adults or those on blood thinners.

Location and Severity

The injury is always in the head/brain.
It can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on how much bleeding and swelling there is.

Cause/Risk Factors

Head injury from a fall, car accident, or sports.
Older age (blood vessels are weaker).
Taking blood thinner medicines.
Alcohol use, which increases fall risk.

2. Symptoms to Watch For

Headache that gets worse.
Confusion or trouble thinking.
Weakness or numbness in arms or legs.
Slurred speech or vision changes.
Seizures.
Loss of consciousness (fainting).

⚠️ Signs of infection (if surgery or wound care is involved):

Redness, warmth, pus, fever.

⚠️ Delayed complications:

Memory loss.
Trouble walking or balance problems.
Sudden personality or mood changes.

3. Post-Hospitalization Information

You may need follow-up visits with your doctor or home health nurse.
Imaging tests (like CT scans) may be repeated to check healing.
Take medicines exactly as prescribed.

4. Home Management & Recovery

Pain management: Take only the medicines your doctor gives you. Avoid aspirin unless told, since it can increase bleeding.
Mobility: Move slowly; use help or a cane/walker if needed.
Wound care: If you had surgery, always follow your doctor’s wound care orders. Keep the site clean and dry. Call your doctor or home health if the wound looks infected.
Rest and rehabilitation: Give your brain time to heal. Avoid heavy lifting, sports, or falls. Do gentle exercises if your doctor recommends.

5. Prevention of Complications

Infection prevention: Wash your hands, keep wound dressings clean, avoid dirty water (pools, hot tubs).
Fall prevention: Remove clutter, use grab bars, wear good shoes, keep rooms well-lit.
Monitor for delayed symptoms: Call for help if new headaches, weakness, or confusion develop.

6. When to Contact Home Health vs. ER

Contact Home Health: For wound care, medication reminders, mild headaches, or to ask questions.
Go to ER Immediately: If you faint, have seizures, sudden weakness, bad confusion, or severe headache that will not go away.

📝 Homework / Assessment (True or False)

Write True or False for each:

TRUE or FALSE: A subdural hematoma is bleeding that happens inside the chest.
TRUE or FALSE: A subdural hematoma happens in the brain.
TRUE or FALSE: Older adults are more at risk for subdural hematomas.
TRUE or FALSE: A severe headache that gets worse can be a warning sign.
TRUE or FALSE: Weakness or numbness in your arms or legs may mean the hematoma is getting worse.
TRUE or FALSE: Slurred speech is not related to a head injury.
TRUE or FALSE: If you take blood thinners, you may have a higher risk for subdural hematomas.
TRUE or FALSE: Falls, car accidents, and sports can cause subdural hematomas.
TRUE or FALSE: A subdural hematoma is always mild and never serious.
TRUE or FALSE: Seizures can happen with a subdural hematoma.
TRUE or FALSE: You should ignore redness, swelling, or pus at a surgical site.
TRUE or FALSE: Memory loss and balance problems can happen later after a head injury.
TRUE or FALSE: After leaving the hospital, you may still need follow-up scans and visits.
TRUE or FALSE: You should take aspirin on your own for pain after a subdural hematoma.
TRUE or FALSE: Rest is important for brain healing.
TRUE or FALSE: Wound care orders from your doctor should always be followed.
TRUE or FALSE: To prevent falls, you should remove trip hazards at home.
TRUE or FALSE: If you have a seizure, you should call your home health nurse and wait.
TRUE or FALSE: Sudden confusion or fainting means you should go to the ER.
TRUE or FALSE: Good handwashing helps prevent infection after surgery.

✅ Answer Key with Explanations

False – It happens in the brain, not the chest.
True – Subdural hematoma = bleeding in the brain.
True – Older adults are at higher risk.
True – Worsening headache is a warning sign.
True – Weakness/numbness can mean pressure on the brain.
False – Slurred speech is a common symptom of brain injury.
True – Blood thinners increase bleeding risk.
True – Falls, crashes, and sports are common causes.
False – Subdural hematomas can be very serious.
True – Seizures may occur.
False – Signs of infection must be reported right away.
True – Complications can appear later.
True – Follow-up tests and visits are important.
False – Aspirin can increase bleeding risk.
True – Rest helps the brain recover.
True – Always follow wound care instructions.
True – Removing hazards lowers fall risk.
False – Seizures are an emergency → go to ER.
True – Confusion/fainting means call 911 or go to ER.
True – Clean hands prevent infection.