Starship Paediatric Neurosurgery

Contact Details

Phone (09) 307 4949 ext 22333
Fax (09) 307 4912
Email stephaniem@adhb.govt.nz

Extradural Haematoma

An extradural haematoma (EDH) is usually an injury to the brain that occurs following a blow to the head.  This can be due to falls, road traffic accidents or blunt trauma. 

Bleeding occurs into the space between the membranes that cover the brain.  If the bleed is large, this is a surgical emergency and the child needs to go to theatre to have the clot removed and to ensure that the bleeding has stopped.  A large clot can put pressure on the surrounding brain tissue.  For smaller bleeds where there does not appear to be any pressure from the clot, the child will be observed for a few days and the body will reabsorb the blood over a few weeks. 

Symptoms include:
·        headache
.        drowsiness
.        irritability
·        speech problems
·        vision problems
·        seizures
·        confusion
·        weakness
·        nausea and vomiting.
 
After sustaining a head injury causing an EDH some people can have a lucid period prior to collapse from the bleed.

https://www.healthpoint.co.nz/public/neurosurgery/starship-paediatric-neurosurgery/