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Subdural hematoma Increased intracranial pressure

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Subdural hematoma

Alternative Names: Subdural hemorrhage Symptoms: Recent injury or trauma to the head Loss of consciousness after original injury Headache, steady or fluctuating Weakness, numbness or inability to speak Slurred speech Nausea and vomiting Lethargy Seizures In infants: Text Continues Below Bulging fontanelles Increased head circumference Separated sutures Irritability High-pitched cry Focal seizures Generalized tonic-clonic seizure Signs and tests: Always seek medical attention following a significant head trauma or mental deterioration in the elderly. The evaluation should include a complete neurologic exam. Any of the following may prompt the physician to order a brain imaging study: Signs of weakness Numbness Inability to speak Slurred speech Persistent headache Abnormal level of consciousness Recent intellectual deterioration in an elderly person, even in the absence of head injury) A CT scan or MRI scan would likely be done to evaluate for the presence of a subdural hematoma.

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