Which imaging modality is best to differentiate between an epidural and a subdural hemorrhage?

Which imaging modality is best to differentiate between an epidural and a subdural hemorrhage?

CT scanning is the examination of choice in the evaluation of suspected intracranial epidural hematoma.

Can you see epidural hematoma on CT?

CT. In almost all cases, extradural hematomas are seen on CT scans of the brain. They are typically bi-convex (or lentiform) in shape, and most frequently beneath the squamous part of the temporal bone. EDHs are hyperdense, somewhat heterogeneous, and sharply demarcated.

Which pupil dilates in a subdural hematoma?

Therefore, if the findings are conflicting, the most reliable indicator (by examination) of the side of the hematoma is a dilated or nonreactive pupil, which appears on the same side as the hematoma. Patients may have a lucid interval after developing a traumatic subdural hematoma.

What does a subdural hematoma look like on a CT scan?

Subdural Hematoma (Subacute). On CT scan, the findings may be subtle – acute blood is bright; chronic blood is dark, but subacute blood may be isointense, as in this case. If one looks closely, one can see that all the sulci in the right hemisphere are effaced, but are normal in the left hemisphere.

Do you need a CT scan after head injury?

Often, CT scans aren’t necessary. CT scans can show if there is swelling or bleeding in the brain or a fracture in the skull. If you have signs of a serious injury, a CT scan is usually the best first test to diagnose it. Your health care provider will look for specific signs of a more serious problem.

How does a subdural hematoma differ from an epidural hematoma?

Location: An epidural hematoma (EDH) occurs between your skull and the outermost layer of meninges, the dura mater. A subdural hematoma occurs in the space between the dura mater and the second meninges layer, the arachnoid layer.

Which type of brain hemorrhage typically appears as a lens shaped hematoma on CT imaging?

Extradural haematoma Leakage from an injured artery results in collection of blood which strips the dura mater away from the inner table of the skull. Extradural haematoma results in formation of a lens-shaped collection.

What does it mean when one pupil is fixed and dilated?

Unilateral cases, where only one pupil is dilated and fixed, is known as anisocoria, meaning unequal pupil size. Typically blown pupils occur as a response to a brain injury, such as head trauma or stroke. However, exposure to certain substances can also elicit the reaction.

Is MRI or CT scan better for head injury?

A CT scan is the test of choice to evaluate for the four types of intracranial hemorrhage (subdural, epidural, intracerebral, or subarachnoid) bleeding in the brain, swelling of the brain during the first 24 to 48 hours after injury, or to detect a skull fracture because it is faster, more cost-effective, and easier to …

Does a CT scan show bleeding in the brain?

To diagnose a subarachnoid hemorrhage, your doctor is likely to recommend: CT scan. This imaging test can detect bleeding in your brain. Your doctor may inject a contrast dye to view your blood vessels in greater detail (CT angiogram).