Which of the following is a typical presentation of a subdural hematoma after head injury?

Which of the following is a typical presentation of a subdural hematoma after head injury?

• A. Shortness of breath
• B. Visual disturbances
• C. Confusion, headache, and changes in consciousness after head injury
• D. Nausea only

Answer: (C)

Subdural hematoma after head injury typically shows neurologic changes rather than systemic symptoms, because blood is slowly collecting in the space around the brain and gradually impairing brain function. The hallmark presentation is confusion with a headache and a change in level of consciousness following the injury. This triad reflects rising intracranial pressure and impaired brain function from the accumulating blood. The onset is often delayed, which is a clue that the bleeding is venous and slow, unlike some arterial bleeds that cause rapid deterioration. Shortness of breath isn’t a direct feature of this type of intracranial bleed, and nausea can occur with increased ICP but is not by itself the defining pattern. Visual disturbances can occur if the pressure affects vision pathways, but the most characteristic and typical presentation remains confusion, headache, and altered consciousness after head trauma.

Subdural hematoma after head injury typically shows neurologic changes rather than systemic symptoms, because blood is slowly collecting in the space around the brain and gradually impairing brain function. The hallmark presentation is confusion with a headache and a change in level of consciousness following the injury. This triad reflects rising intracranial pressure and impaired brain function from the accumulating blood. The onset is often delayed, which is a clue that the bleeding is venous and slow, unlike some arterial bleeds that cause rapid deterioration. Shortness of breath isn’t a direct feature of this type of intracranial bleed, and nausea can occur with increased ICP but is not by itself the defining pattern. Visual disturbances can occur if the pressure affects vision pathways, but the most characteristic and typical presentation remains confusion, headache, and altered consciousness after head trauma.