Natasha Richardson Autopsy: What is Epidural Hematoma?

As the epidural hematoma swells and the brain structures are pushed together, more visible signs can occur. A more dangerous sign of epidural hematoma is a decreased level of consciousness, such as drowsiness, confusion or inability to awaken from a very deep sleep (often called coma). Because the brain controls all functions of the human body, breathing pattern changes also can occur. Shortness of breath, gasping for air or very slow breathing can be a warning sign that the person needs help. An epidural hematoma can be life-threatening; therefore, if any of these signs or symptoms occur, the person should be taken to a medical facility immediately.

"This is a very treatable condition if you're aware of what the problem is and the patient is quickly transferred to a hospital," he said. "But there is very little time to correct this."

A CT scan can detect bleeding, bruising or the beginning of swelling after an injury. The challenge is for patients to know whether to seek one.

As with other types of intracranial hematomas, the blood may be aspirated surgically to remove the mass and reduce the pressure it puts on the brain.[4] The hematoma is neurosurgically evacuated through a burr hole or craniotomy. The diagnosis of epidural hematoma requires a patient to be cared for in a facility with a neurosurgeon on call to decompress the hematoma if necessary and stop the bleed by ligating the injured vessel branches.

Fewer than 20% of patients demonstrate the classic presentation of a lucid interval between the initial trauma and subsequent neurological deterioration.