Question 1

What is a subdural hematoma?

Accepted Answer

A subdural hematoma is a collection of blood between the brain and the outer membrane that covers it (the dura). It is usually caused by a head injury, but in older adults, even minor bumps can cause slow bleeding that builds up over days or weeks.

Question 2

What are the symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Acute subdural hematomas (rapid bleeding) cause sudden severe headache, confusion, vomiting, weakness on one side, and sometimes loss of consciousness — this is a 911 emergency. Chronic subdural hematomas (slow bleeding) cause gradually worsening headaches, confusion, balance problems, and personality changes, especially in older adults.

Question 3

How is it treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment depends on the size, age, and symptoms. Small hematomas may be watched with repeat imaging. Larger or symptomatic hematomas can be drained through a small hole in the skull (burr hole drainage), or treated with a newer minimally invasive procedure called middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization.

Question 4

What is MMA embolization?

Accepted Answer

MMA embolization is a minimally invasive procedure that blocks the blood vessels feeding the membrane surrounding the hematoma. By stopping the blood supply, the hematoma can slowly resolve on its own — no skull incision, and a much faster recovery than traditional surgery. It is often performed under moderate sedation rather than general anesthesia, which is especially useful for older patients and those at higher surgical risk. Your team will discuss the anesthesia approach for your specific case.

Question 5

How long is recovery?

Accepted Answer

Recovery depends on the size of the hematoma and your overall health. After MMA embolization, most patients go home the next day and resume normal activity within a week. After surgical drainage, recovery is typically 2–4 weeks. Follow-up imaging confirms the hematoma is resolving.

Question 6

Can a subdural hematoma come back?

Accepted Answer

Recurrence is possible with any treatment, but MMA embolization has been shown to significantly lower the risk of recurrence compared to drainage alone. Your team will schedule follow-up imaging to monitor healing and watch for any signs of recurrence.

Question 7

Is a subdural hematoma the same as a stroke?

Accepted Answer

No, but they can be related. A subdural hematoma is bleeding between the brain and its outer membrane. A stroke is brain cell death from blocked blood flow or bleeding. A subdural hematoma can cause stroke-like symptoms (confusion, weakness, speech changes), and a ruptured brain aneurysm is one possible cause of subdural bleeding. They are diagnosed and treated differently, but our team evaluates both when planning treatment.

Question 8

Can a brain aneurysm cause a subdural hematoma?

Accepted Answer

Yes. When an aneurysm on the surface of the brain ruptures, blood can collect between the brain and the dura — the outer membrane — forming a subdural hematoma. This is a serious situation that requires urgent treatment of both the bleeding and the source aneurysm. Our neurovascular team manages both conditions together.

Question 9

Are stroke patients at higher risk for subdural hematoma?

Accepted Answer

Stroke patients on blood thinners are at higher risk for bleeding complications, including subdural hematoma, even from minor head trauma. Antiplatelet medications used after stroke treatment also raise bleeding risk. Our team carefully weighs treatment options for subdural hematoma in patients taking these medications and may coordinate with your neurologist on medication management.

Subdural Hematoma Treatment

Understanding Subdural Hematomas

When to Seek Care

Traditional Treatment vs. Embolization

The Embolization Procedure

Benefits of Embolization

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