Brain Injury Law specialists

Epidural Hematomas

An epidural hematoma is a buildup of blood between the brain’s outer membrane and the skull. This collection of blood usually occurs as a result of trauma to the brain. The condition is quite dangerous, as the blood can impose pressure on the intracranial space, thus causing brain damage by compressing sensitive brain tissue. Nearly 20% of patients who develop this condition die.

Injury that causes this condition is caused by excessively rapid acceleration or deceleration of the brain. This sudden movement causes the brain to move inside of the skull, thus banging up against it. Furthermore, the skull has sharp ridges that can severely injury a brain in motion.

Once bleeding occurs, it is rapid because it usually comes from the arteries. As a result, a high-pressure zone develops in that region of the brain. The hematoma will continue to grow until it reaches its peak size about six to eight hours post injury. Sometimes the swelling will occur around the brain in order to stop the bleeding, after which point it will dissolve over time. There are cases, however, when the swelling does not lessen and the blood must be surgically removed.

Deadly injuries like this can be prevented if acts of negligence are minimized. If you or someone you know has suffered because of a traumatic brain injury caused by another person’s careless conduct, you may be able to exercise your legal rights. Contact the traumatic brain injury law specialists of Williams Kherkher by calling 866.950.9000 today!