EPIDURAL HEMATOMAS Meaning and
Definition
-
Epidural hematomas are a type of traumatic brain injury characterized by the accumulation of blood between the outer layer of the brain (the dura mater) and the skull. This condition typically occurs as a result of a severe head injury, such as from a fall or a car accident, where blood vessels within the skull are damaged, leading to the formation of a blood clot.
The symptoms of epidural hematomas can vary depending on the size and location of the clot, as well as the extent of the brain damage. Common signs include a sudden and severe headache, loss of consciousness, vomiting, confusion, weakness or numbness on one side of the body, and seizures.
Prompt medical intervention is crucial in cases of epidural hematomas, as the accumulating blood can cause increasing pressure on the brain, potentially leading to brain damage or even death. Treatment often involves surgical intervention to remove the blood clot and relieve the pressure on the brain. In cases where the hematoma is small and the person's condition is stable, a less invasive approach may be taken, involving close monitoring and the administration of medications to prevent further complications.
To diagnose an epidural hematoma, medical professionals typically perform a physical examination and review the individual's medical history. Imaging tests, such as computed tomography (CT) scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are usually conducted to confirm the presence and location of the hematoma.
Overall, epidural hematomas are a serious medical condition requiring immediate medical attention and intervention to minimize potential brain damage and ensure the best possible outcome for the individual.
Common Misspellings for EPIDURAL HEMATOMAS
- wpidural hematomas
- spidural hematomas
- dpidural hematomas
- rpidural hematomas
- 4pidural hematomas
- 3pidural hematomas
- eoidural hematomas
- elidural hematomas
- e-idural hematomas
- e0idural hematomas
- epudural hematomas
- epjdural hematomas
- epkdural hematomas
- epodural hematomas
- ep9dural hematomas
- ep8dural hematomas
- episural hematomas
- epixural hematomas
- epicural hematomas
- epifural hematomas
Etymology of EPIDURAL HEMATOMAS
The term "epidural hematoma" is composed of two primary components: "epidural" and "hematoma".
1. Epidural: The word "epidural" originates from the Greek word "epi" meaning "upon" or "over" and the Latin word "dura" meaning "hard". In medical terminology, the term "epidural" refers to the space or region upon or over the outermost of the three membranes (meninges) covering the brain and spinal cord, known as the dura mater.
2. Hematoma: Derived from the Greek word "haima" meaning "blood" and the suffix "-oma" meaning "mass", a "hematoma" is a localized collection of blood outside the blood vessels, resulting from bleeding or injury, usually within a tissue or an organ.
