A serious condition where bleeding occurs between the dura mater and the skull.
Blood is leaking into the area that is between the inside of the skull and the outer surface of the dura mater, which is the exterior layer of the meninges, the protective cover of the brain.
An extradural hemorrhage, which typically happens when a forceful impact to the side of the head causes the skull to fracture and an artery on the surface of the dura mater to rupture, is most often the outcome of such a blow.
A hematoma, which is a clump of coagulated blood, develops and expands, leading to increased pressure within the skull. The resulting symptoms may not appear until several hours or even days following the injury, and can include conditions such as headaches, fatigue, vomiting, one-sided body paralysis, and seizures.
If not addressed promptly, an extradural hemorrhage can pose a serious threat to life.
The diagnosis of an extradural hemorrhage is confirmed using imaging techniques such as CT scans or MRIs, which create cross-sectional or 3D pictures of the body’s structures. The treatment approach might involve a craniotomy, which is a procedure where holes are drilled into the skull, followed by the draining of the blood clot and sealing of the burst blood vessel.