Clinical study of acute subdural haematoma – a level I trauma care centre experience

Abstract

Background: Acute subdural hematoma is the most common type of traumatic intra cranial hematoma accounting for 24% cases of severe head injuries and caries highest mortality. The aim of this study is to analyse the clinical spectrum, and to evaluate the postoperative outcome.

Methods: This is a prospective observational Study which included 150 patients  admitted  in King George hospital, Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam, India over the past two years (01^st August 2013 to 30^th August 2015) with head injury, diagnosed to have Traumatic subdural Hemorrhage. A detailed clinical history, physical examination, CT scan was performed in all patients. Patients who were subjected to surgery, post-operative out-come were compared.

Results: The maximum patients suffering from SDH are in the age group of 20-40 years (63%) with male predominance (73%). The most common mode of injury is RTA (73.33%). 40% of cases presented to hospital with gcs <8. 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 greatly affected on outcome of patients. Out of 150 cases, surgical approach was considered in 120 patients while remaining 30 patients were managed conservatively.

Conclusions: Interval between injury to surgery with interval <4 hours having favourable outcome. Basal cistern obliteration, which is an indicator of increased intra cranial pressure is the single most important factor for unfavourable outcome. Hypotension and post traumatic seizures influence high mortality.