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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffSigns and symptoms of an intracranial hematoma may occur from immediately to several weeks or longer after a blow to your head. It's even possible to seem perfectly fine after a head injury. This is called the lucid interval. As time progresses, pressure on your brain increases, producing some or all of the following signs and symptoms:
- Increasing headache
- Vomiting
- Drowsiness and progressive loss of conciousness
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Pupils of unequal size
- Weakness in limbs on one side of your body
- Increased blood pressure
As more and more blood fills your brain or the narrow space between your brain and skull, other signs and symptoms may become apparent, such as:
- Lethargy
- Seizures
- Unconsciousness
When to see a doctor
An intracranial hematoma can be life-threatening. Emergency medical treatment often is necessary.
Seek immediate medical attention after any significant blow to the head in which:
- You lose consciousness
- You experience any of the signs and symptoms that may indicate an intracranial hematoma
Although symptoms of intracranial hematoma may not be immediately apparent, watch closely for subsequent physical, mental and emotional changes. For example, if someone seemed fine after a blow to the head and was talking to you, but then lapses into unconsciousness, seek immediate medical care.
In addition, tell a family member or a close friend if you've experienced any type of head trauma. Because memory loss often is associated with head trauma, you may forget that you even suffered a blow to the head. An alerted friend, family member or work colleague may be more likely to recognize the warning signs and arrange for prompt medical attention if aware of your history.
- Traumatic brain injury: Hope through research. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/tbi/detail_tbi.htm. Accessed May 9, 2009.
- Traumatic brain injury. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec21/ch310/ch310a.html#S21_CH310_T001. Accessed May 11, 2009.
- Smith ML, et al. Neurosurgery. In: Brunicardi FC, et al. Schwartz's Principles of Surgery. 8th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill, Medical; 2005. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=820106. Accessed May 8, 2009.
- Facts about concussion and brain injury. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/tbi/tbibook.pdf. Accessed May 8, 2009.
- Moulton RJ, et al. Head injury and intracranial hypertension. In: Hall JB, et al. Principles of Critical Care. 3rd ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill, Medical; 2005. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2297849. Accessed May 8, 2009.
- Ropper AH. Concussion and other head injuries. In: Fauci AS, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2904523. Accessed May 12, 2009.
- Rordorf G. Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage: Pathogenesis, clinical features, and diagnosis. http://www.uptodate.com/index/home.html. Accessed May 12, 2009.
