What are the symptoms of an epidural hematoma (EDH)?

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What are the symptoms of an epidural hematoma (EDH)?

When a person has an epidural hematoma (EDH), they experience a brief loss of consciousness after the head trauma. This is followed by a period of alertness that may last for several hours before a loss of consciousness and brain function decline. In some people, loss of consciousness leads to coma. Keep in mind that most, but not all, people with EDH follow this symptom pattern.

Other signs and symptoms of an EDH, which occur minutes to hours after the head injury, include:

  • Severe headache.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • An enlarged pupil in one eye (black center area of the eye is big).
  • Confusion.
  • Slurred speech.
  • Dizziness.
  • Weakness on one side of the body.

If left untreated and bleeding continues, brain pressure increases and symptoms can get worse. Possible symptoms at this point include:

  • Seizures.
  • Breathing problems.
  • Loss of brain function.
  • Coma.
  • Death.

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