What are the signs of a subdural hematoma?

• A. Confusion, headache, and changes in consciousness after a head injury
• B. Fever
• C. Nausea
• D. Shortness of breath

Answer: (A)

Rupture of bridging veins during a head injury allows blood to collect in the subdural space, increasing intracranial pressure and disrupting brain function. The most reliable signs of this bleed are confusion, a persistent headache, and changes in consciousness after the injury. These symptoms reflect evolving intracranial pressure and potential brain tissue compression, and they can appear soon after the injury or develop over hours to days, especially in older adults or people on anticoagulants when the bleed is slower (chronic subdural hematoma). Fever is not a direct sign of a subdural hematoma and points more toward infection; nausea can be present with increased ICP but is nonspecific; shortness of breath relates to pulmonary or cardiac issues rather than the intracranial bleed. If you suspect a subdural hematoma, urgent imaging with a head CT is needed to confirm and guide management.