4.2.2 Disease process of the Mild Traumatic Brain Injury with Chronic Subdural Hematoma
The patient’s brain trauma occurs as a consequence of a focal impact in the right temporal lobe from a motor vehicular accident. A sudden blow to the surface of the brain leads to rapid brain tissue displacement, stretches the blood vessels that connects the surface of the cerebrum to the Dura mater called the bridging vein. When the bridging veins are stretched too far, it ruptures. The bleeding from a chronic bleed is slow. The bleeding triggers the endothelial tissue (present in blood vessels) to release clotting factors to stop the bleeding, temporarily. But because of the repeated minor bleeds, accumulation of blood in the subdural space occurs. Thus, results to Chronic Subdural Hematoma:
Headache Dizziness Nausea and Vomiting Lethargy Irritability Pain Sensitivity to sound Difficulty Sleeping