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Brain Bleeds, Hematomas & Hemorrhages

San Francisco Brain Bleeds Attorneys

Brain injuries, and the manner in which they affect victims, can vary significantly. The San Francisco brain injury attorneys at Abramson Smith Waldsmith LLP, work closely with clients to ensure each receives an accurate diagnosis and appropriate medical treatment for his/her injuries. Our experience handling such cases, and our access to medical and investigative experts, has enabled us to build a track record of successful results for our clients. To learn more, contact a personal injury lawyer at our law firm to schedule a free initial consultation.

Head trauma can cause hemorrhages and hematomas (brain bleeds) in the intracranial space. These brain bleeds are classified as follows:

Epidural Hematoma

An epidural hematoma (EDH) is a collection of blood that occurs between the skull and the dura mater. It is usually caused by head trauma, and is often associated with a skull fracture. Epidural hematomas produce a pocket of blood that compresses the brain against the rigid skull. A large epidural hematoma can be life threatening and requires emergency surgical intervention to evacuate the blood and alleviate the pressure against the brain.

In March 2009, actress Natasha Richardson slipped and fell during a ski lesson in Canada and suffered what initially appeared to be a mild head injury, with complaints of a headache after her fall. She tragically died hours later because the pressure created by an epidural hematoma continued to build up and compress her brain over time, cutting off the blood supply.

Subdural Hematoma

A subdural hematoma occurs in the subdural space between the dura mater and the arachnoid due to the tearing of the small veins connecting the dura mater and the arachnoid. Subdural hematomas are more common than epidural hematomas and similarly can be life threatening, requiring surgical evacuation. Depending on the severity of the condition, subdural hematomas carry a mortality rate of 50-90%.

If discovered within three (3) days following an injury, it is considered an acute subdural hematoma (ASDH). If discovered after three (3) days and up to fourteen (14) days following an injury, it is considered a subacute subdural hematoma (SASDH). A chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is bleed that is discovered more than two (2) weeks following an injury.

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

A subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) occurs between arachnoid mater and the pia mater. These hemorrhages usually are caused by ruptures of brain aneurysms (i.e., weak spots in a brain blood vessel), but also can occur due to a head injury. Symptoms include a severe headache, rigidity of neck muscles, nausea, vomiting, and an altered level of consciousness.

Intracerebral Hemorrhage

An intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) occurs inside the brain tissue. It is mainly caused by trauma, hypertension, rupture of an aneurysm, artery disease, coagulation disorders, or brain tumor. Severe cases require emergency surgery.

Intraventricular Hemorrhage

An intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) occurs inside the ventricles of the brain. These are mainly caused by rupture of an aneurysm or head injury. Intraventricular hemorrhages can block the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid and can compress the brain against the rigid skull. It may then be necessary to insert a shunt, which allows cerebrospinal fluid to drain freely into a body cavity. This relieves the pressure and prevents the unnecessary built up of cerebrospinal fluid that can exert pressure on the brain.

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