Both subdural hematoma and epidural hematoma are associated with trauma, and there are some differences between the two. The main ways to differentiate between the two are clinical history, clinical symptoms, and imaging tests.
1. Clinical history: Epidural hematoma is basically caused by trauma, and most acute and subacute subdural hematomas are associated with trauma.
The source of bleeding and pathogenesis of chronic subdural hematoma is not completely clear. Most patients have a history of minor trauma, while a few patients have no relation to trauma, which may be related to long-term use of anticoagulant drugs, malnutrition, vitamin C deficiency, hemorrhagic or vascular disease of the dura mater, and so on.
2. Clinical symptoms: subdural hematoma is usually characterized by progressive aggravation of impaired consciousness, while patients with epidural hematoma tend to have intermediate wakefulness.
3. Imaging: Epidural hematoma is usually accompanied by fractures that do not cross the cranial suture, and the lesion is in the shape of a shuttle; subdural hematoma is not accompanied by fractures in most cases, and can cross the cranial suture, and the lesion is in the shape of a crescent.
It is important to note that the differentiation of the two diseases requires comprehensive judgment and cannot be based on one examination result or performance. Clinical findings of intracranial hematoma, the need for timely access to hospital treatment, under the guidance of the doctor for standardized treatment, in order to avoid delays in the condition.