Gonavath Rambalaji Naik
BACKGROUND
Acute subdural haematoma is the most common type of traumatic intracranial haematoma accounting for 24% cases of
severe head injuries and carries highest mortality. This study is designed to assess clinical characteristics of acute subdural
haematoma and factors affecting its outcome.
MATERIALSAND METHODS
A prospective study was conducted from August 2010 to December 2012 in Osmania hospital, Osmania medical college,
Hyderabad. 150 patients of traumatic acute subdural hematomas were enrolled in the study. A detailed clinical history,
physical examination, CT scan was performed in all patients. Patients who were subjected to surgery, post-operative outcome
were compared. Results are also compared with published literature.
RESULTS
Acute subdural haematoma constituted 21% of severe head injury cases. Majority of patients are between 20-40 years of age
with male predominance (73%). Road traffic accidents (73%) are chief culprit for acute SDH. Majority of them are two
wheeler accidents. Pupillary reaction, hypotension, CT scan findings i.e. thickness of hematoma >10mm and midline shift of
>5mm, Basal cisterns obliteration, post traumatic seizure and delay in interval between the surgery had significantly affected
the outcome of patients. Out of 150 cases, surgical approach was considered in 120 patients, while remaining 30 patients
were managed conservatively.
CONCLUSION
We found that the time interval between injury and surgery, basal cistern obliteration, hypotension, post traumatic seizures
have significant influence on the outcome of acute subdural haematoma in our study.
