A slip and fall is all it takes to puncture an

artery and cause an...

Epidural Hematoma

Prepared by: Korina Marie D. Flores

 Brain
• Most Complex
part of the body.
• Center for every
feeling, impulse
& regulation of
body organs.
Skull
• Tough covering to
protect it from damage
and, ultimately, epidural
hematoma.
• Protects the brain from
damage, and just inside
the skull is a leathery
outer surface called the
dura that attaches
directly to the brain.
Dura Mater
• Brain shifts inside the skull
The shift can cause tiny tears in nearby arteries…

Middle meningeal
artery
• The artery that
runs between the
dura and the skull
inferior to a thin
portion of
temporal bone.
…and the result is bleeding inside the brain
cavity.

Hemorrhage from this artery causes rapid

pressure on the brain.
• The epidural hematoma
that builds inside the
brain leaves no room
for the brain, so it
begins to shift and push
against the brain stem.
It affects speech,
movement, breathing,
and even results in the
loss of consciousness.
Brain Stem connects spinal cord
to the remaider of the brain.
Medulla Oblongata
regulation of heart rate and blood
vessel diameter, breathing,
swallowing, vomiting, coughing,
sneezing, balance, and
coordination

Pyramids extend the length of the

Medulla. Consists of descending
nerve tracts, which transmit action
potentials from the brain to motor
neurons of the spinal cord and are
involved in the conscious control
of skeletal muscles.
 Pons
• Breathing, swallowing, balance, chewing and salivation.

Midbrain
• Visual reflexes: eye movement, pupil diameter, lens shape auditory
nerve pathways, general body movement regulation.

Reticular Formation
• Group of nuclei that plays an
important function in the brain
• Respiration, walking, chewing
• Arousing and maintaining
consciousness
• Sleep and wake cycle
Symptoms are caused by the
expanding hematoma
CT Scan results of Epidural Hematoma
Momentary loss of consciousness at the time of injury, followed
by an interval of apparent recovery (lucid interval)

• During the lucid interval, compensation for

the expanding hematoma takes place by rapid
absorption of CSF and decreased intravascular
volume, both of which help maintain a normal
ICP. When these mechanisms can no longer
compensate, even a small increase in the
volume of the blood clot produces a marked
elevation in ICP.
• An epidural hematoma is considered an
extreme emergency, marked neurologic
deficit or even respiratory arrest can occur
within minutes.
Treatment consists of making openings through the skull (burr holes)
to decrease ICP emergently, remove the clot, and control the
bleeding. A craniotomy may be required to remove the clot and
control the bleeding. A drain is usually inserted after creation of burr
holes or a craniotomy to prevent reaccumulation of blood.