Version October 2024
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What are discharge instructions? — Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care for a health problem.
What are subdural hematomas and epidural hematomas? — These terms refer to bleeding on the surface (and outside) of the brain.
"Hematoma" means a collection of blood. The words "subdural" and "epidural" refer to the exact location of the bleeding (figure 1).
Subdural and epidural hematomas often happen after a head injury:
●An "acute" hematoma happens in the first hours after an injury. If the bleeding continues, the hematoma can keep growing, hours to days after the injury. This can cause symptoms.
●A subdural hematoma can also be "chronic." This happens most often in older people whose brains have shrunk slightly due to age. In these people, a mild head injury can cause a tear in a small vein. This can lead to bleeding on the brain's surface. The hematoma grows slowly, over several days or weeks.
Often, a hematoma is treated with surgery. If the hematoma is small, the doctor might recommend waiting to see if it gets better on its own. If it grows, it can put pressure on the brain and cause symptoms.
How do I care for myself at home? — Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure that you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also:
●Have someone stay with you – If you had a head injury, doctors recommend having someone stay with you for at least 24 hours. The person should watch for any new symptoms such as new sleepiness, slurred speech, or worsening headache. They should also make sure that you can wake up at a normal time after you fall asleep.
●Follow your doctor's instructions about medicines – Your doctor might tell you to stop taking certain medicines for a time. Examples include aspirin, clopidogrel (brand name: Plavix), or "blood thinner" medicines. Talk to your doctor about when and if you should start taking them again.
●Avoid alcohol – Alcohol can increase the risk of bleeding. It can also cause sleepiness or other symptoms that can make it harder to notice hematoma symptoms.
●Try to prevent injury – As you are healing, it's important to avoid hitting your head again. Avoid activities that could cause injury. To lower your risk of falling, make your home as safe as possible. Get rid of loose electrical cords, clutter, and slippery rugs. Also, wear sturdy, non-slip shoes, and make sure that your walkways are clear and well lit.
What follow-up care do I need? — Your doctor will want to see you again to check on your progress. They will do additional imaging tests (CT scan or MRI). This is to make sure that your hematoma is getting better over time. Make sure that you know when and where to go for these appointments.
When should I call for help? — It's important to watch for symptoms that could mean your hematoma has grown.
Someone should call for an ambulance (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if you have new symptoms like:
●You cannot be fully woken up.
●You are acting confused or disoriented.
●You cannot walk normally.
●You have trouble speaking or slurred speech.
●You have severe weakness or cannot move an arm, leg, or 1 side of your face.
●You have a seizure, or jerking of your arms or legs you cannot control.
Call the doctor or nurse for advice if:
●You have a headache.
●You have nausea or vomiting.
●You have trouble with your vision.
●You feel dizzy or faint.
Patient education: Subdural hematoma and epidural hematoma (The Basics)
Patient education: Head injury in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Head injury in children and teens (The Basics)
Patient education: Head injury in babies and children under 2 years (The Basics)
Patient education: Skull fractures (The Basics)
Patient education: Head injury in children and adolescents (Beyond the Basics)
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