EPIDURAL HAEMATOMA Meaning and
Definition
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Epidural hematoma, also known as extradural hematoma, is a medical condition characterized by the accumulation of blood between the dura mater (the tough outer membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord) and the skull. It is typically caused by severe head trauma, such as a direct blow or impact to the head.
In the presence of a head injury, the forceful impact can cause blood vessels to rupture, resulting in bleeding into the epidural space. The accumulating blood forms a clot that gradually increases in size and puts pressure on the brain tissue. This compression can lead to potentially life-threatening consequences if left untreated.
The symptoms of epidural hematoma usually develop rapidly, often within a few hours after the initial injury. They may include severe headache, confusion, dizziness, vomiting, seizures, loss of consciousness, and even paralysis. Urgent medical intervention is essential to prevent irreversible damage or death.
The definitive diagnostic method for epidural hematoma is neuroimaging, typically through a computed tomography (CT) scan. Once diagnosed, emergency surgical intervention is required to evacuate the clot and stop the bleeding source. Failure to promptly address an epidural hematoma can result in increased intracranial pressure, brain herniation, and ultimately, fatality.
In summary, epidural hematoma refers to the accumulation of blood between the skull and the dura mater due to head trauma. It necessitates immediate medical attention and surgical intervention to prevent catastrophic consequences.
Common Misspellings for EPIDURAL HAEMATOMA
- wpidural haematoma
- spidural haematoma
- dpidural haematoma
- rpidural haematoma
- 4pidural haematoma
- 3pidural haematoma
- eoidural haematoma
- elidural haematoma
- e0idural haematoma
- epudural haematoma
- epjdural haematoma
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- epodural haematoma
- ep9dural haematoma
- ep8dural haematoma
- episural haematoma
- epixural haematoma
- epicural haematoma
- epifural haematoma
- epirural haematoma
Etymology of EPIDURAL HAEMATOMA
The word "epidural" comes from the Greek prefix "epi-" meaning "upon" or "above", and the Latin word "dura" meaning "hard". In medical terminology, "dura" refers to the outermost layer of the meninges (the protective covering of the brain and spinal cord).
"Hematoma", also spelled "haematoma", is derived from the Greek word "haima" meaning "blood" and "toma" meaning "tumor" or "mass". Therefore, hematoma refers to a collection of blood outside of blood vessels, usually within tissues or organs.
When combined, "epidural hematoma" refers to a specific type of hematoma that occurs between the skull and the protective covering of the brain (the dura mater), often resulting from a traumatic brain injury.
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