What are the Symptoms of an Intracranial Hematoma?

People who suffer a trauma to the head that causes an intracranial hematoma may experience a variety of symptoms. These symptoms can appear immediately or they may develop over time, depending on where blood is pooling in the brain or skull. When an intracranial hematoma first occurs, it may not immediately cause symptoms, so the bleeding can continue for days or even weeks after the initial injury. Most people suffer from a headache, which may get worse over time, and may become drowsy, dizzy, or feel weak and lethargic. Some more severe effects of an intracranial hematoma can include memory loss, loss of consciousness, or seizures.

Headache is common in those with an intracranial hematoma. As blood builds up in the skull, it puts pressure on the surrounding tissues, which causes painful pressure. If the condition is not diagnosed immediately, the pressure will continue to build, leading to increasingly painful and debilitating headaches.

An intracranial hematoma can also affect one's perceptions and overall state of consciousness, with the symptoms often depending on the part of the brain affected. Patients may become dizzy or experience confusion and disorientation. They may feel progressively more drowsy if the condition worsens. Problems with speech and language may develop. Some patients, particularly those who are not diagnosed right away, may begin to experience memory loss, even to the point where they do not recall the injury that caused the hematoma.

Some patients may notice physical changes as well. Often, the side of the body opposite from the intracranial hematoma will become numb, weak, or even paralyzed. The pupils of the patient's eyes may also be two different sizes. An increase in blood pressure is another possible effect. When an intracranial hematoma occurs in an infant, the pressure of the blood pooling in the skull may cause it to become enlarged since the skull is still pliable.

While any symptoms of an intracranial hematoma are of concern and a reason to seek medical attention after a head injury, patients who go undiagnosed may begin to experience even more severe symptoms which should prompt them to seek help immediately. If the pressure in the brain increases too much, the person may lose consciousness. He or she may begin to have seizures. If these symptoms occur, it is critical to see a doctor, as the condition can become life threatening.