Which symptoms are typical of an epidural hematoma?

Which symptoms are typical of an epidural hematoma?

• A. Gradual headache without LOC
• B. Intense headache, a lucid interval, and weakness or visual loss opposite the side of bleeding
• C. Bilateral leg weakness
• D. Seizure only

Answer: (B)

An epidural hematoma is an arterial bleed between the skull and dura, usually after head trauma with a temporal bone fracture. Because arterial bleeding expands quickly, the presentation often follows a pattern: an initial loss of consciousness at injury, then a period of apparent lucidity, and then rapid deterioration. The intense headache reflects rising intracranial pressure from the expanding hematoma, and focal deficits such as weakness or visual loss on the opposite side occur due to mass effect on the opposite hemisphere or pathways. This combination—a severe headache, a lucid interval, and contralateral weakness or visual loss—is classic for an epidural hematoma. Patterns like a gradual headache without loss of consciousness or seizures alone are not typical for this condition.

An epidural hematoma is an arterial bleed between the skull and dura, usually after head trauma with a temporal bone fracture. Because arterial bleeding expands quickly, the presentation often follows a pattern: an initial loss of consciousness at injury, then a period of apparent lucidity, and then rapid deterioration. The intense headache reflects rising intracranial pressure from the expanding hematoma, and focal deficits such as weakness or visual loss on the opposite side occur due to mass effect on the opposite hemisphere or pathways. This combination—a severe headache, a lucid interval, and contralateral weakness or visual loss—is classic for an epidural hematoma. Patterns like a gradual headache without loss of consciousness or seizures alone are not typical for this condition.