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Intracranial Epidural Hematoma

Head trauma is a leading cause of intracranial epidural hematoma, which occurs when blood clots form inside the brain or skull. Treatment of this condition depends on the severity of symptoms and other factors, but surgery is often used to manage health effects and prevent more serious complications.

Treatment Options for Intracranial Epidural Hematoma

Many people with this condition require surgery to address the hematoma:

  • Craniotomy – Craniotomies involve taking out a small section of the skull to access and remove the blood clot. This surgery is typically used for larger clots. 
  • Drainage – Smaller localized hematomas can be addressed with surgical drainage. With this procedure, surgeons create a small hole in the skull and use a tub to remove any blood that is collected.

Some people do not require treatment for intracranial hematomas. Instead, doctors may recommend monitoring the condition with diagnostic imaging and measurement of intracranial pressure.

How Blood Thinners Can Affect Intracranial Epidural Hematoma

People on blood thinners have a higher chance of experiencing bleeding issues with intracranial hematomas. In this case, doctors may need to reverse the effects of the medication to prevent uncontrolled bleeding in the injured area.

Vitamin K promotes blood clotting and may be administered while a person is receiving treatment for intracranial hematoma. Patients may also receive a fresh frozen plasma transfusion to offset the effects of a blood thinning medication. While these treatments do not necessarily address the intracranial hematoma itself, they are crucial for preventing more serious bleeding complications.

 

 
 
 

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