Chronic Subdural Haematoma (CSDH)
A slow build-up of blood beneath the skull, often in older patients, treatable with minimally invasive techniques.
Overview
A chronic subdural haematoma is a collection of old blood that builds up slowly between the brain and its outer covering. It is most common in older adults and in people taking blood-thinning medication, and often follows a minor knock to the head — sometimes one that has been forgotten. Symptoms develop gradually over days or weeks and can be mistaken for the effects of ageing.
Symptoms
- Headaches
- Confusion, drowsiness or memory problems
- Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
- Unsteadiness, difficulty walking or falls
- Slurred speech
- Changes in personality or behaviour
Treatment options
Small haematomas without significant symptoms may be monitored with scans. Larger or symptomatic haematomas are usually drained through small burr holes in the skull. Middle meningeal artery embolisation — a minimally invasive procedure that blocks the small artery feeding the haematoma’s membrane, through a fine catheter — can reduce the chance of it coming back, and may be used on its own or alongside surgery.