EPIDURAL HEMATOMA Meaning and
Definition
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Epidural hematoma is a medical condition characterized by the accumulation of blood between the skull and the outermost membrane covering the brain, known as the dura mater. This condition occurs when an artery, often the middle meningeal artery, tears or ruptures due to trauma such as a blow to the head. It is a type of traumatic brain injury with potentially severe consequences if not promptly diagnosed and treated.
The accumulation of blood leads to the formation of a blood clot in the limited space between the skull and dura mater, exerting pressure on the brain tissue. As the hematoma expands, it gradually compresses the brain, causing neurological symptoms to manifest. These symptoms may include a severe headache, dizziness, confusion, weakness or numbness on one side of the body, speech difficulties, seizures, and loss of consciousness.
Prompt medical intervention is crucial in cases of epidural hematoma as the condition can progress rapidly and result in life-threatening complications. Once diagnosed, treatment often involves emergency surgical intervention to remove the blood clot and relieve the pressure on the brain.
Although epidural hematoma is a serious condition, its prognosis can be favorable with timely medical intervention. However, delayed or inadequate treatment may lead to permanent brain damage, long-term disability, or even death. Therefore, any head injury should be promptly evaluated by a medical professional, as early diagnosis and intervention can significantly improve outcomes in cases of epidural hematoma.
Common Misspellings for EPIDURAL HEMATOMA
- wpidural hematoma
- spidural hematoma
- dpidural hematoma
- rpidural hematoma
- 4pidural hematoma
- 3pidural hematoma
- eoidural hematoma
- elidural hematoma
- e-idural hematoma
- e0idural hematoma
- epudural hematoma
- epjdural hematoma
- epkdural hematoma
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- ep9dural hematoma
- ep8dural hematoma
- episural hematoma
- epixural hematoma
- epicural hematoma
- epifural hematoma
Etymology of EPIDURAL HEMATOMA
The word "epidural hematoma" has its roots in two different languages:
1. "Epidural" comes from the Greek word "epi" meaning "upon" or "over", and the Latin word "dura" meaning "hard". In medical terminology, "epidural" refers to the anatomical space located upon or over the dura mater, which is the outermost covering of the brain and spinal cord.
2. "Hematoma" comes from the Greek word "haima" meaning "blood" and the Greek word "toma" meaning "tumor" or "mass". In medical terminology, "hematoma" refers to a localized collection of blood outside the blood vessels, most commonly as a result of trauma.
