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Subdural Hematoma, Pediatric

Sabrina E. Smith, MD, PhD Reviewed 10/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

A subdural hematoma (SDH) is a collection of blood between the outer pial and inner dural meningeal layers. The bleeding is usually venous in origin, although either cortical arterie...

DIAGNOSIS

A careful history and detailed physical exam are essential to explore possible causes of the SDH, assess the child’s neurologic status, and look for evidence of other injuries. Prompt neuroi...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • The treatment of choice for large, acute SDHs is surgical evacuation. Smaller SDHs may be managed conservatively, with careful monitoring for signs of neurologic deterioratio...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Children with neurologic sequelae from head injury may benefit from admission to a rehabilitation hospital. 

PROGNOSIS

  • In general, long-term outcome is related to t...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Foerster BR, Petrou M, Lin D, et al. Neuroimaging evaluation of non-accidental head trauma with correlation to clinical outcomes: a review of 57 cases. J Pediatr.  2009;154(4):...

CODES

ICD9

  • 852.20 Subdural hemorrhage following injury without mention of open intracranial wound, unspecified state of consciousness

  • 767.0 Subdural and cerebral hemorrhage

  • 432.1 Subdural hemorrhage

ICD10

  • ...

FAQ

  • Q: When did the bleed occur?

  • A: With chronic SDHs, the time and type of injury may be difficult to establish because no trauma may be reported and the trauma may have occurred weeks or months befor...

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