Surg: Subdural Haematoma: Free MSRA Podcast

🧠 Subdural Haematoma (SDH) – The Essential MSRA Deep Dive 🎧Welcome to this focused episode where we untangle everything you need to know about Subdural Haematoma (SDH) for the MSRA. From definitions and anatomy to management and complications, this high-yield guide walks you through it all — clearly, efficiently, and memorably.Think of this as your neurosurgical survival guide — covering acute vs chronic bleeds, trauma links, red flags, and more. Whether you're revising on a commute or brushing up with notes, we’ve got you covered.🩸 What is Subdural Haematoma?A collection of blood between the dura mater and arachnoid layers of the meninges — often from torn bridging veins after head trauma.➡️ "Subdural is under the dura" – simple memory tip.📊 Types of SDH (by timing):• Acute – within 72 hours (often after major trauma)• Subacute – 3 to 7 days• Chronic – 2–3 weeks after minor trauma, esp. elderly or alcoholic patients📊 Types (by content):• Simple – blood only• Complicated – with associated brain injury (e.g. contusion)⚠️ Causes & Risk Factors• Trauma – especially falls (commonest)• Cerebral atrophy – elderly, alcohol misuse• Anticoagulation – warfarin, DOACs• Bleeding disorders – e.g. haemophilia• Infants – shaken baby syndrome / NAI• Rare: spontaneous SDH (e.g. coagulopathy, AVM, SIH)🔢 Epidemiology• ~13/100,000/year in UK• ↑ incidence in elderly & infants• Chronic SDH increasingly common🧠 Symptoms• Headache – persistent or worsening• Confusion, drowsiness• Nausea, vomiting• Focal neurological signs – e.g. weakness, slurred speech• Seizures• May have "lucid interval" (esp. acute SDH)• In chronic SDH – symptoms may be vague and insidious👨‍⚕️ Differential Diagnosis – Think 🔠 HEADS:• H – Haematomas (subdural, epidural, SAH)• E – Encephalitis / encephalopathy• A – Abscess / tumour• D – Dementia / Drugs / DKA / Deranged LFTs• S – Stroke🩻 Investigations🧪 Bloods: FBC, U&E, LFTs, clotting screen, group & save🧠 Imaging:• CT head (non-contrast) – best first-line• MRI brain – helpful in subacute/chronic cases or equivocal CT• C-spine imaging if traumatic mechanism🔧 Management🚨 Stabilisation:• ABCs• Reverse anticoagulation if needed• Neurosurgical referral ASAP🧠 Definitive Treatment:• Observation – if small, stable, asymptomatic• Surgical evacuation if:– Neurological signs– Midline shift– Large size– Raised ICP– Rapid deterioration🧠 Surgical options:• Craniotomy – most common• Burr holes – especially chronic SDH• Drains ↓ recurrence risk💡 Mnemonic for surgical indications: "4 S's"Size, Symptoms, Shift, Speed📉 Prognosis & Complications🔴 Mortality: 30–80% (esp. acute SDH)🟢 Better in younger patients, rapid intervention📌 Potential Complications:• Brain herniation (life-threatening)• Seizures• Chronic SDH / Recurrence• Cognitive impairment / neuro deficit• Infection – e.g. empyema• Hydrocephalus, persistent coma, death🛡️ Prevention:• Fall risk reduction (elderly)• Review anticoagulants• Alcohol dependency support📝 Top MSRA Revision Tips• "Subdural = Under dura"• Mnemonic HEADS for DDx• Know acute vs chronic presentations• CT head is your key investigation• Surgical criteria = 4 S’s• Always assess for non-accidental injury in infants🧠 Want More Subdural Haematoma Resources?📄 Revision Noteshttps://www.passthemsra.com/topic/subdural-haematoma-revision-notes/🧠 Flashcardshttps://www.passthemsra.com/topic/subdural-haematoma-flashcards/💬 Accordion Q&Ahttps://www.passthemsra.com/topic/subdural-haematoma-accordion-qa-notes/🚀 Rapid Quizhttps://www.passthemsra.com/topic/subdural-haematoma-rapid-quiz/🌐 More Free & Premium MSRA Revisionhttps://www.passthemsra.comhttps://www.freemsra.com#MSRA #Neurosurgery #SDH #SubduralHaematoma #MSRARevision #PassTheMSRA #CTBrain #CranialTrauma #MSRAFlashcards #MSRAQuiz #HeadInjury #4Ss #HeadsMnemonic #SurgeryForTheMSRA