Intracranial Hematoma

Intracranial hematoma (IH) is bruising, or blood vessel breakage in the brain. Blood being released from the broken vessel into surrounding tissues can cause inflammation, swelling, and pressure that may be life threatening. If an artery in the brain is damaged rather than a vein, the bleeding can be much more severe. This can only be evaluated and determined with the proper scanning equipment and procedures. Emergency treatment should always be sought if injury to the head is suspected, as in a concussion. Any blow to the head should be evaluated, especially if it results in a loss of consciousness. Trauma to the brain may not be immediately apparent in the form of symptoms. Sometimes symptoms of an intracranial hematoma will not manifest until significant swelling and pressure are present-this may be days or weeks after vessel breakage has occurred. Vessel breakage resulting in IH can be from traumatic events such as falls, accidents, aneurysms. IH can also be the result of non-traumatic causes, sometimes congenital, sometimes substance-induced. Non-traumatic causes of IH are:

• High blood pressure for years weakening intracranial vessel walls
• Brain tumors
• Blood thinner (anticoagulant drugs will make any bleeding event much harder to get under control. These are drugs such as coumadin and warfarin)
• Bleeding disorders
• Blood vessel malformations
• Autoimmune diseases (some)
• Encephalitis (infection within the brain)
• Amyloid deposits can cause sclerotic build ups and breaks to vessels
• Stimulant drugs

Additional risk factors for IH are being over the age of 65, or abuse of alcohol.

Signs and symptoms of intracranial hematoma are:

• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Increased blood pressure (compensating for fluid volume that was lost)
• Lethargy
• Loss of consciousness
• Sleepiness
• Pupils may be different sizes, or respond to light differently (one contracts, one may not)
• Seizures
• Vomiting
• Unilateral (on one side) weakness of limbs

Quick diagnosis of intracranial hematoma, concussion, and other brain injuries is critical. Prompt, accurate treatment is also essential to prevent further injury, permanent injury, or death.
If you suffered a worsening of intracranial hematoma, concussion, or other type of traumatic brain injury misdiagnosis, or a loved one died from a brain injury misdiagnosis, you may be eligible for damages. Call the Sweeney Law firm and let our medical experts review the facts to see if you have a medical malpractice case. If we take your case, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means we don’t get paid unless there is a settlement or recovery of funds made on your behalf.