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Background and importance Chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is a common neurosurgical pathology with a projected increase in prevalence as the elderly population grows. We describe a novel implementation of the IRRAflow irrigating drainage system after burr hole evacuation of bilateral acute-on-chronic subdural hematomas that demonstrates the benefits of this system for common post-operative challenges of these surgeries. Clinical presentation An 83-year-old male presented to the emergency department with 3 weeks of progressive weakness, lethargy, and confusion following an unwitnessed fall. Physical examination was notable for pupillary asymmetry and altered mental status. Computed tomography (CT) of the head showed bilateral acute-on-chronic subdural hematomas. The patient underwent bilateral burr hole evacuation and placement of IRRAflow irrigating drains. Postoperative head CT demonstrated poor brain re-expansion with significant bilateral pneumocephalus. Marked improvement in brain re-expansion occurred with continuous irrigation and drainage, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day (POD) 3 with return to neurological baseline. He followed up on POD13 in stable condition. Conclusion This report described a patient with bilateral subdural hematomas who underwent evacuation and bilateral IRRAflow dual-lumen catheter placement. Significant postoperative pneumocephalus improved rapidly with continuous irrigation and drainage, leading to improved brain re-expansion, hematoma resolution, and excellent neurological recovery.

Objective: To improve the treatment of young children with traumatic intracranial hematomas by improving the diagnosis and use of minimally invasive surgical methods based on calculations of the intracranial hematoma volume index (VICH). Subjects and Methods: An analysis of the clinical course as well as the surgical treatment of 111 patients was carried out. The patients were under the age of 3, with severe traumatic brain injury, and formation of intracranial hematomas. The children were treated at the Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery of the City Children’s Clinical Hospital No.3 in Omsk, Russia, from 2008 to 2018. Three groups were identified: Group A - children with epidural hematomas (n=30), Group B - children with subdural hematomas (n=43), Group C - children with multiple hematomas (n=38). The volume index of intracranial hematomas (VICH) was calculated, and the surgical tactics were determined based on the value of the VICH. Results: Children with a VICH less than 2% received conservative treatments. Those with a VICH from 2 to 4% were treated with minimally invasive methods (puncture, drainage). Children with VICH above 4% underwent decompressive surgery. Conclusion: The effectiveness of the developed differentiated tactics of treatment of young children with traumatic intracranial hematomas (ICH) is characterized by a decrease in the risk of an unfavourable outcome by 74.2% and mortality by 1.2%.

This study aimed to evaluate the utility of the 11-variable modified Frailty Index (mFI) in prognosticating elderly patients with traumatic acute subdural hematomas (aSDHs). A state-service level 1 trauma center registry was interrogated to investigate consecutive patients ≥65 years of age presenting with traumatic aSDH, with or without major extracranial injury, between January 2013 and December 2017. mFI on admission, demographics, and admission details, including Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and pupillary status and radiological findings, were retrospectively retrieved from institutional records. Clinical outcome data were retrieved from medical records and the Victorian State Trauma Registry (VSTR). Outcome measures were 1) 30-day mortality and 2) 6-month unfavorable outcome, defined by the Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS-E). Five hundred twenty-nine consecutive cases were identified from the registry. Demographic data included: 1) age (median; interquartile range) = 80.46; 74.17-85.89; 2) mFI (mean ± standard deviation) = 1.96 ± 1.42 of 11 variables. Four hundred sixteen cases (79%) had complete outcome data. As mFI increased from 0/11 variables to ≥5/11 variables (≥0.45), 30-day mortality risk increased from 17.72% to 39.29% (

The factors influencing the outcomes of mild/moderate acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) are still unclear. Retrospective analyses were performed to identify such factors. The medical records of all patients who were admitted to Saiseikai Shiga Hospital with mild (Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS] score of 14-15) or moderate (GCS score of 9-13) ASDH between April 2008 and March 2017 were reviewed. Comparisons between the patients who exhibited favorable and poor outcomes were performed. Then, independent factors that contributed to poor outcomes were identified via logistic regression analyses. A total of 266 patients with a mean age of 70.2 were included in this study. The most common concomitant injuries were subarachnoid hemorrhages (SAHs; 56.8%). The patients' Injury Severity Scores (ISS) ranged from 16 to 75 (median: 21). The 66 moderate ASDH patients exhibited significantly higher frequencies of surgery and mortality (24.2% and 13.6%, respectively) than the 200 mild ASDH patients (8.0% and 4.5%, respectively). The factors associated with poor outcomes were age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.06) and the ISS (OR: 1.24) in the mild ASDH patients, and older age (OR: 1.09) and the higher ISS (OR: 1.15) in the moderate group, too.

Middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization could be an effective method of inhibiting neovascularization of the subdural capsular membrane and preventing hematoma maintenance. We sought to better understand how the MMA might affect subdural hematoma physiology and how this process might be modified by embolization.We performed a retrospective review of 27 patients with 29 subdural hematomas (SDHs) who had undergone MMA embolization from July 2018 to May 2019. Of the 27 patients, 8 had undergone postembolization DynaCT imaging studies and were included in the present study.The average patient age was 75 years. The baseline noncontrast-enhanced cranial computed tomography (CT) scans showed the presence of a hematoma membrane in all 8 patients. The postembolization DynaCT scans of all patients demonstrated enhancement of all 4 components (i.e., dura, capsular membrane, septations, and subdural hematoma fluid). All patients had a minimum of 60-day imaging and clinical follow-up data available. The average decrease in SDH volume at the last follow-up examination was 87% compared with that at baseline. A significant difference was found between the average baseline and average last follow-up SDH volume (P 0.0001, paired t test) in all 8 patients. The average interval from the date of the procedure to the last follow-up scan was 89 days (range, 61-122 days). No patient experienced postembolization complications, subsequent SDH drainage, or mortality.Our data lend support to the theory of contiguous vascular networks between the MMA and SDH membranes. Targeting these leaky vascular networks might remove the source of hematoma accumulation. These data add to the pathophysiological understanding of the disease and suggests potential insights into the mechanism of action of MMA embolization.

Purpose The incidence of acute subdural hematomas (aSDH) is rising. However, beneficial effects of surgery for the oldest aSDH patients remain unclear. We hence describe the postoperative outcome of octa- and nonagenarians with aSDH in comparison to a younger patient cohort. Methods Patients aged ≥ 80 years surgically treated for traumatic aSDH at a single institution between 2006 and 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical and imaging variables were assessed, and univariate analysis was performed to identify factors predicting outcome at discharge. Results were compared to a cohort of younger aSDH patients and statistical analysis was performed. Long-term outcome was prospectively evaluated with the GOSE and QOLIBRI. Results 27 aSDH patients aged ≥ 80 years were identified. On admission, 41% were in a comatose state and in-hospital mortality was 33%. At discharge, 22% had a favorable outcome (GOS 4 + 5). In univariate statistical analysis, better neurological status (GCS > 8), ≤ 1 comorbidity and smaller aSDH volumes were significant predictors for a favorable outcome. Comparison to 27 younger aSDH patients revealed significant differences in the prevalence of comorbidities and antithrombotics. At long-term follow-up, quality of life of aSDH patients was reduced (median QOLIBRI 54%). Conclusion Outcome after surgical treatment of aSDH in octa- and nonagenarians is not detrimental per se. Predictors for a favorable outcome are a non-comatose state on admission (GCS > 8), ≤ 1 preexisting comorbidity and a lower aSDH volume in patients aged ≥ 80 years. In individual patients, surgical evacuation of aSDH might remain a treatment option even in high ages.

The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between the effectiveness of treatment of patients with traumatic brain injury complicated by subdural hematoma and the localization of the hematoma. Materials and methods. The medical documentation of 52 patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) complicated by acute subdural hematoma with a volume of 60-100 cm 3 was retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into 3 groups depending on the location of the hematoma: group I consisted of 21 patients (40%) with hematoma localization in the frontotemporal region, group II - 18 patients (35%) with hematoma localization in the parietal - temporal region, group III - 13 patients (25%) with hematoma localization in the frontotemporal - occipital region. When patients are discharged from the hospital, their condition indicators are calculated according to the Rankin scale. Results. More often subdural hematomas were localized in the frontotemporal and parietal-temporal regions, less often in the frontotemporal-occipital region. The severity of the victims' condition, estimated at less than 10 points according to the Glasgow scale, prevailed in patients with TBI complicated by subdural hematoma localized in the frontal-parietal -occipital region. The volume of hematoma localized in the frontal-parietal -occipital region prevailed in comparison with the frontal-temporal and parietal-temporal regions (p

OBJECTIVESubdural hematomas and hygromas (SDHs) are common complications in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) patients with shunts. In this registry-based study, patients with shunted iNPH were screened nationwide to identify perioperative variables that may increase the risk of SDH.METHODSThe Swedish Hydrocephalus Quality Registry was reviewed for iNPH patients who had undergone shunt surgery in Sweden in 2004–2014. Potential risk factors for SDH were recorded preoperatively and 3 months after surgery. Drug prescriptions were identified from a national pharmacy database. Patients who developed SDHs were compared with those without SDHs.RESULTSThe study population consisted of 1457 patients, 152 (10.4%) of whom developed an SDH. Men developed an SDH more often than women (OR 2.084, 95% CI 1.421–3.058, p < 0.001). Patients on platelet aggregation inhibitors developed an SDH more often than those who were not (OR 1.733, 95% CI 1.236–2.431, p = 0.001). At surgery, shunt opening pressures had been set 5.9 mm H2O lower in the SDH group than in the no-SDH group (109.6 ± 24.1 vs 115.5 ± 25.4 mm H2O, respectively, p = 0.009). Antisiphoning devices (ASDs) were used in 892 patients but did not prevent SDH. Mean opening pressures at surgery and the follow-up were lower with shunts with an ASD, without causing more SDHs. No other differences were seen between the groups.CONCLUSIONSiNPH patients in this study were diagnosed and operated on in routine practice; thus, the results represent everyday care. Male sex, antiplatelet medication, and a lower opening pressure at surgery were risk factors for SDH. Physical status and comorbidity were not. ASD did not prevent SDH, but a shunt with an ASD allowed a lower opening pressure without causing more SDHs.

OBJECTIVELarge interhemispheric subdural hematomas (iSDHs) causing falx syndrome are rare; therefore, a paucity of data exists regarding the outcomes of contemporary management of iSDH. There is a general consensus among neurosurgeons that large iSDHs with neurological deficits represent a particular treatment challenge with generally poor outcomes. Thus, radiological and clinical outcomes of surgical and nonsurgical management for iSDH bear further study, which is the aim of this report.METHODSA prospectively collected, single-institution trauma database was searched for patients with isolated traumatic iSDH causing falx syndrome in the period from January 2008 to January 2018. Information on demographic and radiological characteristics, serial neurological examinations, clinical and radiological outcomes, and posttreatment complications was collected and tallied. The authors subsequently dichotomized patients by management strategy to evaluate clinical outcome and 30-day survival.RESULTSTwenty-five patients (0.4% of those with intracranial injuries, 0.05% of those with trauma) with iSDH and falx syndrome represented the study cohort. The average age was 73.4 years, and most patients (23 [92%] of 25) were taking anticoagulants or antiplatelet medications. Six patients were managed nonoperatively, and 19 patients underwent craniotomy for iSDH evacuation; of the latter patients, 17 (89.5%) had improvement in or resolution of motor deficits postoperatively. There were no instances of venous infarction, reaccumulation, or infection after evacuation. In total, 9 (36%) of the 25 patients died within 30 days, including 6 (32%) of the 19 who had undergone craniotomy and 3 (50%) of the 6 who had been managed nonoperatively. Patients who died within 30 days were significantly more likely to experience in-hospital neurological deterioration prior to surgery (83% vs 15%, p = 0.0095) and to be comatose prior to surgery (100% vs 23%, p = 0.0031). The median modified Rankin Scale score of surgical patients who survived hospitalization (13 patients) was 1 at a mean follow-up of 22.1 months.CONCLUSIONSiSDHs associated with falx syndrome can be evacuated safely and effectively, and prompt surgical evacuation prior to neurological deterioration can improve outcomes. In this study, craniotomy for iSDH evacuation proved to be a low-risk strategy that was associated with generally good outcomes, though appropriately selected patients may fare well without evacuation.

Pediatric subdural hematomas (SDH) are associated with arachnoid cysts (AC), particularly in the middle cranial fossa (MCF). Operative management of these hemorrhages is a mainstay of treatment. Conservative management may be an option if there is minimal mass effect and the patient is mildly symptomatic. A 14-year-old male presented with right frontal headaches that worsened with activity. He was found to have a large right MCF AC. Scheduled routine outpatient follow-up CT of the head demonstrated bilateral SDH. There was no history of significant head trauma. He was admitted for close observation and his inpatient scans remained stable. Outpatient follow-up imaging over the course of three and a half years demonstrated resolution of SDH and decreased AC size. He denied headaches and continued doing well in school. ACs are a risk factor for the development of SDH in young male patients after minor trauma. Development of intracranial hypotension secondary to AC rupture may have contributed to the development of bilateral SDH in our patient. We demonstrate here that close clinical follow up with serial imaging may be considered a management strategy in these patients.

Background Acute traumatic posterior fossa subdural hematomas are rare lesions in adult. Data on its physiopathology are limited. Timely surgical evacuation is the mainstay of treatment, particularly in selected cases with large volume hematomas compressing the posterior fossa neural elements. The outcome is generally poor and the overall mortality rate is high. The outcome depends on the clinical status of the patient and the timing of surgery. Results We report a case of a 22-years old patient admitted after a severe traumatic brain injury, with a Glasgow coma scale (GCS) of 12. The CT scan showed a right acute subdural hematoma of the cerebellar hemisphere, extending to right the cerebellar pontine angle (CPA) with compression of the posterior fossa neural elements. The patient had surgery within four hours from the trauma with a good recovery. Conclusion Despite the high rate of mortality related to posterior fossa subdural hematomas, our case report and literature analysis highlight the importance of early surgical management in ensuring a better clinical outcome.

Background: A complication after surgical intervention for chronic and subacute subdural hematoma drainage is the recurrence of hematoma, often requiring repeat surgical management. Recurrence rates varied widely across the published series, which may partially be due to different technical strategies used by the surgeons involved in the study. We decided to review our patients with chronic and subacute subdural hematomas that were surgically managed with a burr hole procedure by a single surgeon to compare recurrence rates with the evidence available. Methods: A retrospective review of the medical records was performed on the patients who underwent burr hole surgical intervention to drain a chronic or subacute subdural hematoma between April 1995 and March 2020. All patients were under the care of a single surgeon at an academic institution. Variables analyzed included age, sex, laterality of the hematoma, and recurrence. Results: During the selected timeframe, 610 cases were identified. There were 35 cases of recurrence of the hematoma. The recurrence rate after burr hole drainage was 5.73%. Conclusion: Surgical drainage of chronic and subacute subdural hematoma via burr hole using consistent stepwise management is associated with a relatively low recurrence rate in our single surgeon patient cohort.

Inadvertent dural puncture with subsequent post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) is the most typical complication of labour epidural analgesia. Subdural hematoma (SDH) is a rare but late neurological complication of this procedure. The intracranial hypotension created by the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage through the dural defect can lead to the rupture of the bridging veins to produce a subdural hematoma. A change in the character from postural to a non-postural headache is a warning sign of subdural hematoma. We describe a case of post-dural puncture headache followed by the development of cranial SDH in a patient who refused a blood patch and opted for conservative treatment. We conclude that a high index of suspicion must be maintained with a witnessed dural puncture or even without it but having persistent headache, to detect any severe complications like an intracranial subdural hematoma. An epidural blood patch is to be considered when the headache does not subside with conservative management. Early employment of MRI or CT head imaging studies should be considered to exclude, diagnose, or treat any serious complication without unnecessary delay.

A 9-month-old child presented with frequent crying and delayed developmental milestones. Computed tomography of the skull showed chronic subdural hematoma caused by playing with a rattle toy. Conservative treatment was decided with good results. The main differential diagnosis in these traumatic brain injuries is abuse, although in these cases subdural hematomas are usually multiple and have specific locations.

BACKGROUND Asterion is identified as the connection point of sutura parietomastoidea, sutura occipitomastoidea, and sutura lambdoidea. The location of asterion, which is primarily preferred as a landmark during posterolateral surgical approach for intracranial operations, shows many variables. The aim of this study was to identify the surface location of the asterion and determine the distances between intracranial anatomical structures and asterion. METHODS At this present study, 11 hemicraniums (22 asterion points), situated at the laboratory of Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Bursa Uludag University, were used. The asterion points which the sesamoid bone located were classified as type I and the ones which sesamoid bone did not locate were classified as type II. According to the proximity of asterion with sinus transversus, 3 groups were classified. About 19 parameters were measured related to asterion. The obtained data were analyzed in SPSS 22. RESULTS As a result of findings, while sesamoid bone was seen at 7 asterion points (type I), at 15 points sesamoid bone was not detected (type II) (respectively, 31.81%, 68.19%). It was identified that 15 asterion points were at the surface, 5 ones were average 3.42 ± 2.52 mm over, 2 ones average 3.21 ± 2.26 mm below of the projection of sinus transversus. Statistically significance was not seen between the measurements taken from left and right sides. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Asterion is an important landmark for the retrosigmoid approaches. The surface and intracranial location of the asterion and proximity with dural sinuses are important for surgeons not to cause fatal subdural hematomas during the approaches using "Burr Hole" technic in neurochirurgie operations.

Currently, clinical practice recommendations regarding patients in need of emergent lumbar puncture who are taking direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are based upon expert opinion, as evidence-based guidelines are unavailable. We present the case of an 80-year-old Caucasian lady who underwent diagnostic lumbar puncture for presumed meningitis while on therapeutic apixaban for nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. She was subsequently found to have bilateral subdural hematomas. This case report reviews both the current criteria for computerized tomography brain imaging prior to lumbar puncture as well as the bleeding risks of lumbar puncture while on a DOAC.

Alongside an increase in life expectancy, median age of patients presenting with traumatic acute subdural hematomas (ASDH) has increased as well. Treatment guidelines are based on studies performed on relatively young patients. The optimal management of elderly (>70 years old) patients with ASDH, specifically those with relatively preserved level of consciousness, was not thoroughly investigated so far. We retrospectively examined elderly patients presented to our medical center between the years 2006–2016 with traumatic convexity ASDH and GCS of 13–15. 773 patients were included in the initial cohort and 54 patients were included in the final analysis. The mean age at presentation was 81.5 years and the means of hematoma thickness and midline shift were 15.5 mm and 6.6 mm, respectively. Patients in our cohort had an overall unfavorable outcome (mRS 5–6) of 28% and 56% at discharge and at 1 year following injury, respectively. The results were not significantly different for the subgroups of patients older than 80 years and patients with high ASA-PS. Surgical evacuation of the ASDH was undertaken in 28 patients with focal neurologic deficit and/or worsening on subsequent brain scans. At 1 year, 64% (18 patients) in the surgery group had unfavorable outcome compared to 48% (12 patients) in the conservative group. We believe that these numbers should be taken under consideration when assessing elderly patients with convexity ASDH and relatively preserved level of consciousness.

Serious complications following spinal anesthesia (SA) are rare. However, surgeons and neurologist need to be aware that postsurgery headache refractory to conservative treatment or change in headache's characteristics could be due to serious intracranial complications such as a subdural hematoma. Any delay in diagnosis and treatment can be fatal. We report and discuss a case of a patient who suffered repeated subdural bleeds following SA.

Background Acute subdural hematomas are frequently seen in brain trauma−injured patients. However, spontaneous subdural hematomas are uncommon, especially those localized in the posterior fossa, where fewer than 10 case reports have been described in the medical literature. Case Description We describe a patient who suddenly had a headache and progressed rapidly to coma and signs of brainstem compression. She was diagnosed with posterior fossa subdural hematoma after image examinations that were endorsed by surgical findings. A posterior fossa craniectomy was performed and was associated with blood drainage. Conclusions The patient had a great outcome, with no neurologic deficits at hospital discharge and the 1-year follow-up.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the optimal timing and type of pharmacological venous thromboembolism prophylaxis (VTEp) in patients with severe blunt head trauma with acute subdural hematomas (ASDH).Matched cohort study using ACS-TQIP database (2013-2016) including patients with isolated ASDH. Outcomes of matched patients receiving early prophylaxis (EP, ≤48 h) and late prophylaxis (LP,48 h) were compared with univariable and multivariable regression analysis.In 1,660 matched cases VTE complications (3.1% vs 0.5%, p 0.001) were more common in the LP compared to the EP group. Multivariable regression analysis identified EP as an independent protective factor for VTE complications (OR 0.169, p 0.001) but not mortality (p = 0.260). The adjusted risk for delayed craniectomy was not associated with EP compared to LP (p = 0.095). LMWH was independently associated with a lower mortality (OR 0.480, p = 0.008) compared to UH.Early VTEp (≤48 h) does not increase the risk for craniectomies and is independently associated with fewer VTE complications in patients with isolated ASDH. LMWH was independently associated with a lower mortality compared to UH.

Background Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is frequently encountered in neurosurgical practice. Evacuation through one or two burr holes is the most common surgical treatment. Hemorrhagic complications such as acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) or intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) has been reported as rare but severe complications. Nonetheless, isolated subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), developed after burr-hole evacuation of CSDH, without other hemorrhagic complications, is an extremely rare finding reported only in two previous reports. Case description A 64 year’s old man was referred to our department for mental confusion, disorientation, dizziness and walking disability. CT scans showed a bilateral fronto-parietal CSDH. He underwent bilateral parietal burr-hole craniectomy and subdural drainage positioning. The day after surgery, the patient developed intense headache and vomit and a CT scan revealed a SAH in the temporal and parietal lobe located in both hemispheres. A CT angiogram excluded the presence of intracranial aneurysms. The drainage systems were removed and the patient underwent conservative management with clinical improvement. He was discharged in day 7 without neurological deficits. The one-month follow-up showed the patient was in good conditions and the CT scan revealed complete resolution of the previous hemorrhagic findings. Conclusion We suppose the rapid brain shift occurred during surgery was the main cause of development of SAH in our patient, but several possible pathological mechanisms are discussed. Although CSDH evacuation is considered a routinely procedure, neurosurgeons must be aware of this rare complication avoiding perioperative overdrainage of subdural hematomas.

Surgical treatment of acute subdural hematoma (aSDH) is still matter of debate, especially in the elderly. A retrospective study to compare two different surgical approaches, namely standard (SC, craniotomy size > 8 cm) and limited craniotomy (LC, craniotomy size p = 0.045). The preoperative HD (p = 0.08) and the MLS (p = 0.09) were significantly higher in the SC group, whereas postoperative radiological evaluation showed no significant difference in HD or MLS. A limited craniotomy is sufficient for adequate evacuation of an aSDH in the elderly achieving the same radiological and clinical outcome.

Head trauma often results in intracranial hemorrhage, depending on the severity of the impact on the skull. Chronic subdural hematomas (CSDHs) are a subtype of intracranial hemorrhage that usually result from increased traction on veins spanning the subdural space. When these bridging veins on the surface of the brain rupture, blood accumulates in this potential space forming a subdural hematoma. Subdural hematomas are one of the most common intracranial hemorrhages in the elderly, often developing after an insignificant, or forgotten, minor head trauma. As the brain atrophies with age, increased traction is placed on bridging veins that places them at an increased likelihood of rupture following minimal head trauma. Subdural hematomas are usually crescent shaped overlying the brain surface and are not restricted by dural attachment to the overlying skull. They are categorized into three stages based on their degree of chronicity: acute ( 21 days). Blood initially forms a thick clot in the acute stage and softens as it breaks down slowly, eventually becoming a thick dark fluid. CSDHs begin to expand when concentrated blood breakdown products begin to attract fluid into the subdural space due to a difference in osmolarity. As a subdural hematoma expands, it compresses the brain, in accordance with the Monroe-Kellie Doctrine. Treatment of symptomatic subdural hematomas usually entails relieving the pressure imposed on the brain through surgical evacuation procedures.

Acute subdural hematoma (SDH) is an important cause of mortality and severe disability in neurosurgical practice that occurs in about one-third of patients with severe traumatic brain injuries. This entity refers to the acute subdural collection of blood following acute head trauma. Acute SDH can manifest with severe neurologic deficits and necessitates the mode immediate evacuation of the hematoma. Pathologically, it is usually associated with cerebral contusion and laceration.

Spinal subdural hematoma (SDH) is a rare entity where blood clot is located in the spinal subdural space. This entity may cause permanent or temporary neurological deficits by compressing the spinal cord, cauda equina or spinal nerve roots. Spinal SDH constitutes 4.1% of all spinal hematomas. Magnetic resonance imaging is the best imaging choice for evaluation of spinal SDH, visualizing not only the spinal SDH but also any other pathologies of the spinal cord and cauda equina. The treatment options should be decided upon according to the patient’s neurological examination. While emergency surgery is the choice of treatment in patients with progressive neurological deficits, conservative methods should be preferred in almost all patients without any neurological deficit.

Aim: Surgical treatment of non-acute subdural hematomas is to place a closed drainage system in the subdural area following burr-hole trepanation,but it has tendency to drain related complications. Subgaleal drain is also suggested as an alternative, but there is no consensus yet. The aim of thisstudy is to examine the effect of hematoma age and drain insertion style on surgical outcomes.Materials and Methods: The data of 79 patients were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups as “subdural drain”and “subgaleal drain”. Each group was further subgrouped as “chronic hematoma” and “subacute hematoma”. They were compared in terms of thecapacity of draining the hematoma and complications such as pneumocephalus, recurrence and others. The effect of hematoma age on results wasexamined.Results: It was determined that hematoma could be evacuated more effectively in the subgaleal drain group (p=0.045). It was found that insubacute hematomas, subgaleal drain resulted in more recurrence, but prevented drain-related complications. Subgaleal drain was found to beacceptable for chronic subdural hematomas.Conclusion: The use of subgaleal drain may be an option to avoid drain-related complications. However, if the hematoma is subacute, the rate ofrecurrence increases.

INTRODUCTION New York City (NYC) is the epicenter of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in the United States. Cancellation of non-essential activities and social distancing policies are implemented during this crisis to avoid spread of the infection. METHODS Retrospective and prospective reviews were performed from a Level-II trauma-center from November 2019 (one month before the outbreak started in China) to April 2020. General demographics, mechanism of trauma, diagnosis, and treatment were recorded. We dichotomized the data between pre-COVID-19 (before March 1st) and COVID-19 period, and compared differences between the two groups. RESULTS A total of 150 patients composed our cohort, with a mean age of 66.2 years (SD+/−: 18.9), and 66% male. An average of 25 neuro-traumas/month was observed, with the highest average cases per day in March (1 case/day), and the lowest in April (0.6 cases/day). We noticed a progressive decrease of neuro-traumas since the beginning of March (from 11 cases to 2 cases a week), with the lowest point in the first week of April. This tendency was evident after March 16th, simultaneously with the cancellation of all non-essential activities in NYC during COVID-19 era, the most common mechanism of trauma was mechanical fall, but it was less frequent compared to the pre-COVID-19 period (61.4% vs 40.8; P = .04). Subdural hematomas were the most common pathology in both periods. Non-operative management was selected for most patients (79.2 vs 87.8%, P = .201) in both periods, but the tendency to convert code status to Do-Not-Intubate/Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNI/DNR) increased during the COVID-19 crisis (5.9% to 12.2%, P = .041). CONCLUSION A temporary decrease of neuro-traumas was observed during the initial phase and peak of the crisis. This tendency was observed simultaneously with the implementation of social-distancing policies as the number of total infected patients was rising in NYC. Mechanical falls were the most frequent cause of neuro-trauma in both periods. More neuro-trauma patients were converted to DNI/DNR code during the crisis and this was not necessarily related to patient's COVID-19 status.

Acute subdural hematomas (ASDHs) are highly morbid and increasingly common. Hematoma expansion is a potentially fatal complication, and few studies have examined whether factors associated with hematoma expansion vary over time. To answer this, we performed a case-control study in a cohort of initially conservatively managed patients with ASDH. Two time periods were considered, early (72 h from injury). Cases were defined as patients who developed ASDH expansion in the appropriate period; controls were patients who had stable imaging. Associated factors were determined with logistic regression. We identified 68 cases and 237 controls in the early follow-up cohort. Early ASDH expansion was associated with coagulopathy (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.3, 95 % CI: 1.2-4.5; p = 0.02), thicker ASDHs (aOR 1.1, 95% CI: 1.03-1.2; p = 0.006), additional intracranial lesions (aOR 3, 95% CI: 1.6-6.2; p = 0.002), no/minimal trauma history (aOR 0.4, 95% CI: 0.2-0.9; p = 0.03), and duration between injury and initial scan (aOR 0.9, 95% CI: 0.8-0.97; p = 0.04). In the delayed follow-up cohort, there were 41 cases and 126 controls. Delayed ASDH expansion was associated with older age (aOR 1.3 per 10 years, 95% CI: 1.1-1.6; p = 0.01), systolic blood pressure (SBP) >160 on hospital presentation (aOR 4.5, 95% CI: 1.8-11.3; p = 0.001), midline shift (aOR 1.5 per 1 mm, 95% CI: 1.3-1.9; p < 0.001), and convexity location (aOR 14.1, 95% CI: 2.6-265; p = 0.013). We conclude that early and delayed ASDH expansion are different processes with different associated factors, and that elevated SBP may be a modifiable risk factor of delayed expansion.

Non-acute subdural hematomas (naSDH) may recur after surgical treatment. A second operation affects the quality of life and functional outcome of the patients, and lengthens hospital stay. We aim to identify the predictors of reoperation as the healthcare system in the US is moving towards patient-centered care. This retrospective study included patients treated surgically with burr-holes or mini-craniotomy for non-acute subdural hematoma between February 2006-June 2018. Univariate and multiple logistic regression models were performed. 23 (12.0%) patients had reoperation. Controlling for all the factors, postoperative acute blood in the operative bed was the strongest predictor of recurrence of naSDH (OR = 37.93, 95% CI: 5.35-268.87, p 0.001). Those undergoing a mini-craniotomy were over six times as likely to experience a recurrent SDH compared to those operated on via burr holes (OR = 6.34, 95% CI: 1.21-33.08, p = 0.029). Finally, patients with a past medical history of thrombocytopenia were nearly six times as likely to experience a recurrence of SDH (OR = 5.80, 95% CI: 1.20-28.10, p = 0.029). Postoperative hematoma thickness showed a trend toward significance such that thicker hematomas were associated with an increased likelihood of experiencing a recurrent SDH. In conclusion, we found that operative technique, thrombocytopenia and the presence of postoperative hemorrhage are significant predictors for reoperation. Given the current interest in endovascular embolization for SDH, understanding these risk factors may aid in determining indications for such adjunctive treatment.

Background Subdural hematomas (SDHs) are a common and dangerous condition, with potential for a rapid rise in incidence given the aging U.S. population, but the magnitude of this increase is unknown. Our objective was to characterize the number of SDHs and practicing neurosurgeons from 2003–2016 and project these numbers to 2040. Methods Using the National Inpatient Sample years 2003–2016 (nearly 500 million hospitalizations), all hospitalizations with a diagnosis of SDH were identified and grouped by age. Numerical estimates of SDHs were projected to 2040 in 10-year increments for each age group using Poisson modeling with population estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau. The number of neurosurgeons who billed the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services from 2012 to 2017 was noted and linearly projected to 2040. Results From 2020–2040, SDH volume is expected to increase by 78.3%, from 135,859 to 208,212. Most of this increase will be seen in the elderly, as patients 75–84 years old will experience an increase from 37,941 to 69,914 and patients older than 85 years old will experience an increase from 31,200 to 67,181. The number of neurosurgeons is projected to increase from 4675 in 2020 to 6252 in 2040. Conclusions SDH is expected to increase significantly from 2020–2040, with the majority of this increase being concentrated in elderly patients. While the number of neurosurgeons will also increase, the ability of current neurosurgical resources to properly handle this expected increase in SDH will need to be addressed on a national scale.

Background: Acute spontaneous subdural hematoma is rare. For patients under 40 years of age, we found only five previous reports. Here, we have presented a sixth case study. Case Description: A 27-year-old male initially presented with a high-intensity headache without any neurological deficits. The brain computed tomography revealed a left frontoparietal lesion, consistent with an acute epidural hematoma. However, the bone window examination showed no fracture, and at surgery, this lesion proved to be an acute subdural hematoma. Additional studies, including cerebral angiography, brain magnetic resonance imaging, and a complete coagulation work-up, were all negative. Conclusion: This case report and literature review focused on the rarity of acute idiopathic/spontaneous subdural hematomas.

Blunt head injury is a major public health and socioeconomic problem causing death and disability particularly among the young population throughout the world. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate if the impact site is correlated with the subdural and epidural hematoma occurrence. A retrospective analysis of consecutive autopsy cases submitted to our Department during a 5-year period was performed. The basic criterion for inclusion in the study was death due to blunt head injury. The recorded variables included the circumstances of death, the existence, and location of head injuries, the primary impact site, age, gender, and toxicological results. A total number of 683 fatal head injury cases was recorded, with most of them being male (74.1%). In 424 cases (62.1%) fatal head injuries were due to road traffic accidents. Fall (from height or on the ground) was the cause of death in 220 (32.2%) cases followed by inflicted impact-assault in 26 (3.8%) cases. A subdural hematoma was found more frequently (26.9%) than epidural (5.0%). Epidural hematomas were found only under the primary impact site, whereas subdural hematomas were coup, contrecoup, or bilateral. An epidural hematoma was found to be almost 5 times more frequent in cases in which a subdural hematoma was present. A higher proportion of subdural, as well as epidural hematoma, was found when the site of impact was the temporal region, followed by the parietal one. Sex did not exert any influence on the probability of subdural and epidural hematoma, whereas for age, a 10% increase in the probability of subdural hematoma occurrence was observed with 10-year age increase.

OBJECTIVESubdural hematoma (SDH) is the most common serious adverse event in patients with shunts. Adjustable shunts are used with increasing frequency and make it possible to noninvasively treat postoperative SDH. The objective of this study was to describe the prevalence and treatment preferences of SDHs, based on fixed or adjustable shunt valves, in a national cohort of patients with shunted idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH), as well as to evaluate the effect of SDH and treatment on long-term survival.METHODSPatients with iNPH who received a CSF shunt in Sweden from 2004 to 2015 were included in a prospective quality registry (n = 1846) and followed regarding SDH, its treatment, and mortality. The treatment of SDH was categorized into surgery, opening pressure adjustments, or no treatment.RESULTSDuring the study period, the proportion of adjustable shunts increased from 75% to 95%. Ten percent (n = 184) of the patients developed an SDH. In 103 patients, treatment was solely opening pressure adjustment. Surgical treatment was used in 66 cases (36%), and 15 (8%) received no treatment. In patients with fixed shunt valves, 90% (n = 17) of SDHs were treated surgically compared with 30% (n = 49) in patients with adjustable shunts (p < 0.001). There was no difference in long-term patient survival between the SDH and non-SDH groups or between different treatments.CONCLUSIONSSDH remains a common complication after shunt surgery, but adjustable shunts reduced the need for surgical interventions. SDH and treatment did not significantly affect survival in this patient group, thus the noninvasive treatment offered by adjustable shunts considerably reduces the level of severity for this common adverse event.

Clinical presentation: We report the case of a 68-year-old patient that presented at our department 6 weeks after a mild traumatic brain injury with confusion and drowsiness. Emergency head CT scan revealed chronic bilateral subdural hematomas with no midline shift. His neurological status quickly deteriorated after admission (GCS of 9 points) and he was operated immediately. Although surgery was uneventful and his neurological status markedly improved, in the first postoperative day he developed blindness with visual anosognosia and visual confabulations, suggestive for Anton-Babinski syndrome. Emergency head MRI performed on the same day was normal but a repeat head MRI in the seventh postoperative day revealed bilateral occipital ischemia, thus explaining his symptoms. The patient became aware of his deficit two weeks after surgery, but was surprisingly ambivalent regarding it. Conclusion: Cortical blindness (sometimes presenting in the context of Anton-Babinski syndrome) is a rare complication of chronic bilateral subdural hematomas, a rather common neurosurgical pathology. Although it can be overlooked on the initial neurological examination, it should be taken into account, prompting emergency surgical treatment in order to prevent permanent visual deficits.

The operative management of subacute subdural hematomas (sSDHs) and chronic subdural hematomas (cSDHs) in the elderly is complicated by age itself, multiple medical comorbidities, and anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications; therefore, the search for less invasive, yet more effective, treatment techniques has become a goal. Here, we present the use of a repurposed ventriculostomy catheter in the minimally invasive drainage of a mixed sSDH with the residual solid clot component subsequently liquefied with local alteplase (tPA) administration in an elderly female producing effective hematoma and symptom resolution.

Background Although an abundance of literature about the treatment of chronic subdural hematoma is available, it provides little evidence to clarify which treatment is most successful. Objective The aim of this study was to examine and compare current clinical standards between several hospitals. Methods Chairmen of all neurosurgical units in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, as listed on the national neurosurgical societies' websites, were invited to participate with a personal token to access a web-based survey. A total of 159 invitations were sent and up to 5 reminder e-mails. Results Eighty-four invitees (53%) completed the survey. The most common surgical intervention was a single burr hole in 52 (65%) of the responding neurosurgical units, double burr holes were performed as primary procedure in 16 centers (20%), a small osteoplastic craniotomy in 4 (5%), and a twist drill craniostomy in 8 (10%). Seventy-two (90%) would place a drain in estimated 75%–100% of cases or whenever possible/safe. Sixty-five used subdural–external drains, and 7 used subgaleal–external drains. Seventeen applied suction to the drains. Thirty-six (49%) agreed with the statement that watchful waiting was an option for the treatment of chronic subdural hematomas and 19 (23.4%) disagreed. Eighteen (23%) would consider corticosteroids and 34 (45%) tranexamic acid as part of their armamentarium for the treatment of subdural hematomas. Conclusions The results of this survey reflect the current evidence available in literature. Although the benefits of using of a drain are widely recognized, no consensus regarding the type of drain and surgical approach to the hematoma was reached.

Introduction/Objective. Subdural hematoma is one of the most common intracranial types of bleeding with high risk of disability and mortality. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of age, sex, acuteness, and etiology of subdural hematoma on short-term clinical outcome in these patients. Methods. We retrospectively studied 288 patients who were diagnosed and operated on for subdural hematomas (SDH) with different etiology (traumatic and spontaneous) and acuteness (acute, subacute, and chronic) for a period of five years. Patients scored ? 5 points on the Glasgow Coma Scale at hospital admission were not included in this study. Clinical outcome was assessed by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at hospital discharge. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were used to determine the effect of the investigated factors on short-term clinical outcome. Results. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to predict degree of recovery (good = mRS ?1 vs. poor = mRS ? 2 or death) using sex, age, acuteness, and etiology of SDH as predictive factors. It was established that the following three factors made a significant contribution to the outcome: age (p = 0.004), acuteness (p < 0.001), and etiology of a hematoma (p = 0.023), with acuteness being the strongest predictive factor. Sex was not a significant predictor, while age under 70 years and spontaneous origin of SDH were associated with lower mRS scores and had a positive effect on recovery chances. Conclusion. Age, acuteness, and etiology of hematoma are important predictive factors that influence the short-term clinical outcome in patients with SDH. These parameters should be taken into account when giving prognosis for recovery chances to a patient?s family and relatives.

Objective Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) has proven useful in the study of the natural history of ischemic stroke. However, the potential of DW-MRI for the evaluation of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) has not been established. In this study, we investigated DW-MRI findings of CSDH and evaluated the impact of the image findings on postoperative outcomes of CSDH. Methods We studied 131 CSDH patients who had undergone single burr hole drainage surgery. The images of the subdural hematomas on preoperative DW-MRI and computed tomography (CT) were divided into three groups based on their signal intensity and density: 1) homogeneous (iso or low) density on CT and homogeneous low signal intensity on DW-MRI; 2) homogeneous (iso or low) density on CT and mixed signal intensity on DW-MRI; and 3) heterogeneous density on CT and mixed signal intensity on DW-MRI. On the basis of postoperative CT, we also divided the patients into 3 groups of surgical outcomes according to residual hematoma and mass effect. Results Analysis showed statistically significant differences in surgical (A to B: p

Background Rapidly resolving acute subdural hematomas (RRASDHs) have been described in case reports and case series but are still poorly understood. We hypothesized that a cohort analysis would confirm previously reported predictors of RRASDH including coagulopathy, additional intracranial hemorrhage, and low-density band on imaging. We also hypothesized that rapid resolution would be associated with improved trauma outcomes. Methods We reviewed all nonoperative acute subdural hematomas (ASDHs) treated at our center from 2011 to 2015. Inclusion criteria were ASDH on computed tomography (CT), admission Glasgow coma score >7, and repeat CT to evaluate ASDH change. RRASDH was defined as reduced hematoma thickness by 50% within 72 h. Clinical data, CT findings, and trauma end points were analyzed for the RRASDH and nonresolving groups. Results There were 154 ASDH patients included, with 29 cases of RRASDH. The RRASDH group had a lower rate of comorbidities than the nonresolving group (58.6% versus 78.4%, P = 0.03) and a lower rate of prehospital anticoagulation (7.7% versus 37.1%, P = 0.004). Previously reported predictors of RRASDH did not differ between the groups, nor did any clinical outcome measures. When compared with patients who experienced rapid growth (>50% increased width in 72 h), the RRASDH group had lower mortality (3.4% versus 23.5%, P = 0.04). Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the largest review of RRASDHs. We identified two previously unrecognized factors that may predict resolution; however, previously reported predictors were not associated with resolution. We also found no relationship between RRASDHs and improved standard trauma outcomes, calling into question the clinical significance of RRASDH.

Background: Lumbar spine surgery with or without intraoperative dural tear (DT) may contribute to postoperative subdural hematomas and/or cerebellar intracranial hemorrhages (ICHs). Here, we present two patients, one with and one without an intraoperative DT occurring during lumbar surgery, both of whom developed acute postoperative supratentorial ICHs. Case Description: Two patients developed supratentorial lobar ICH following lumbar decompressions and fusion. The first patient, without an intraoperative DT, developed multiple ICHs involving the left cerebellum and left temporal lobe. The second patient, following an L4-5 decompression/instrumented fusion involving a DT, postoperatively developed a large right frontal ICH. Conclusion: Here, two patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery with/without DT subsequently developed significant ICH.