{"id":255,"date":"2014-09-19T11:10:36","date_gmt":"2014-09-19T10:10:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.tayloremmet.co.uk\/blogs\/?p=255"},"modified":"2014-09-19T11:10:36","modified_gmt":"2014-09-19T10:10:36","slug":"misdiagnosis-sub-dural-haematoma","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tayloremmet.co.uk\/blogs\/misdiagnosis-sub-dural-haematoma\/","title":{"rendered":"Misdiagnosis: Sub-Dural Haematoma"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"blue_corrinal_panel\"<\/a>I have been assisting my colleague, James Drydale, on a recent case involving a missed sub-dural haematoma, which has had a devastating impact on our client.<\/p>\n

What is a sub-dural haematoma and what does a misdiagnosis mean<\/strong>?<\/p>\n

A sub-dural haematoma is a very serious condition which is usually caused by a head injury.
\nIt can happen very quickly after a head injury and occurs when a blood vessel in the space between the skull and the brain (the sub-dural space) ruptures or bursts, which causes blood to escape into this space and then causes a clot to form (haematoma).<\/p>\n

The clot then presses on the brain and causes a build-up of pressure, which can be very dangerous. This can then cause the brain to swell and press against the wall of the skull, which increases the pressure, causing headaches and confusion.<\/p>\n

If a sub-dural haematoma is not treated, it can lead to permanent damage to the brainstem, which can badly affect how your body is able to function. Early diagnosis and treatment is very important.<\/p>\n

When should you seek medical treatment?<\/strong><\/p>\n

It is very common for sub-dural haematomas to be caused by falls (such as Michael Schumacher\u2019s skiing accident), violent assaults, cycling accidents, motor vehicle accidents and sports (such as head collisions in football). Symptoms include:-<\/p>\n