Traumatic Epidural and Subdural Hematomas

Traumatic brain injury is a broad topic and encompasses a spectrum of pathophysiologic disorders that result in increased intracranial pressure (ICP), cerebral edema, bleeding, mass effect, cerebral herniation, and death. Traumatic epidural hematoma (EDH) and subdural hematoma (SDH) are the focus of this chapter. EDH and SDH are intracranial blood collections that have mass effect within the intracranial vault (Figure 88.1) for which operative and nonoperative management criteria are established.