Surgical Video: Neurosurgeon Performs Complete Subdural Haematoma Operation
This narrative kicks off with a mundane event - an 83-year-old woman taking a spill, nothing too dramatic. But within her skull, disaster was brewing. A CT scan revealed a deadly brain injury known as an acute subdural hematoma.
A subdural hematoma happens when blood collects between the dura mater, a protective membrane beneath the skull, and the brain's surface. Normally, this space, called the subdural space, is filled with veins and cerebrospinal fluid. But when these veins tear due to trauma, blood starts leaking and clotting, building pressure within the skull.
This pressure isn't just painful; it can crush the brain against the interior of the skull, causing irreversible damage, coma, or even death if not treated promptly. The stealthy nature of this injury makes it particularly lethal. Symptoms may not appear for hours or even days. A person may seem fine initially, only to deteriorate quickly.
Headaches, confusion, slurred speech, and drowsiness are early warning signs that a brain bleed might be underway. In such high-stakes situations, swift action is crucial.
In the case of this elderly patient, Dr. Carlos A. Rodríguez-Alverez, a Mexican neurosurgeon, knew he needed to act fast. He performeds a precision procedured dubbed emergency brain surgery to relieve pressure and save the woman's life.
Fascinatingly, falls - not high-speed accidents or major head trauma - are the leading cause of subdural hematomas in elderly patients. Even trivial slips, like a misstep in the bathroom or a trip over a rug, can be as fatal as a major car crash. Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that over 80% of subdural hematomas in older adults result from falls.
Not only are elderly patients at greater risk after a hematoma, but they're also at substantially higher risk of developing another. The aging brain is more fragile than you might think. As we age, our brains shrink slightly, which increases the space between the brain and skull. This heightens the vulnerability of bridging veins to tearing due to minor falls.
Additionally, blood-thinning medications commonly prescribed to older adults increase the risk of excessive bleeding, making even minor head injuries far more perilous.
To reduce fall risk, eliminate trip hazards, strengthen balance and mobility, check medications, use assistive devices, and get regular eye exams.
Thanks to Dr. Rodríguez-Alverez's swift response, the woman in his care survived. But such survival isn't the norm. Subdural hematomas are called the "silent killer" for a reason. The symptoms often go unnoticed until it's too late. Recognizing the warning signs, acting quickly, and taking preventive measures can mean the difference between life and death.
If you're curious about neurosurgery, Dr. Rodríguez-Alverez has a YouTube channel that offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at this awe-inspiring field.
In the realm of health and wellness, subdural hematomas are a neurological disorder that can occur due to aging, particularly in elderly patients. These conditions are often linked to falls, even trivial ones, which can prove as deadly as high-speed accidents or major head trauma due to the fragility of the aging brain. The stealthy nature of this injury makes it a silent killer, as symptoms may not appear immediately and can lead to irreversible damage, coma, or even death. However, quick recognition of warning signs, such as headaches, confusion, slurred speech, and drowsiness, followed by prompt medical attention, can significantly improve the chances of survival.
