How Long Does It Typically Take For A Subdural Hematoma To Re-absorb?
Question: Hi,
My husband fell off a horse, CT scan showed nothing within days of the fall, he started to have headaches two weeks later, and he also got jiggled on an exercise machine that vibrates or something (you stand on it and it just vibrates). The next day he had numbness traveling up his right arm and it was affecting his speech too. It was subdural hematoma 4 mm. Now two weeks later we are monitoring it per doctors orders, recent ct scan this week showed it is unchanged in size. Questions: how long does it typically take for a hematoma this size to re-absorb? Is this likely to happen? Is it possible it will never re-absorb...that it would have to be drained, even if it stays this size and causes no more symptoms?
My husband fell off a horse, CT scan showed nothing within days of the fall, he started to have headaches two weeks later, and he also got jiggled on an exercise machine that vibrates or something (you stand on it and it just vibrates). The next day he had numbness traveling up his right arm and it was affecting his speech too. It was subdural hematoma 4 mm. Now two weeks later we are monitoring it per doctors orders, recent ct scan this week showed it is unchanged in size. Questions: how long does it typically take for a hematoma this size to re-absorb? Is this likely to happen? Is it possible it will never re-absorb...that it would have to be drained, even if it stays this size and causes no more symptoms?
Brief Answer:
Wait and follow up with a neurosurgeon
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Subdural hematoma is common in elderly people after trauma. The size is small and if no increase occurs, follow up non-surgical should be done. The resolution may take 5-6 months. Usually it resolves and not persist. The symptoms may improve with time too. In case symptoms worsens get urgent evaluation and CT head.
Regards,
Dr. N. Kumar
Neurologist
Wait and follow up with a neurosurgeon
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Subdural hematoma is common in elderly people after trauma. The size is small and if no increase occurs, follow up non-surgical should be done. The resolution may take 5-6 months. Usually it resolves and not persist. The symptoms may improve with time too. In case symptoms worsens get urgent evaluation and CT head.
Regards,
Dr. N. Kumar
Neurologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng