Novel method for detecting brain abnormality in a patient with epidural hematoma: a case report

Am J Emerg Med. 2010 Mar;28(3):386.e1-2. doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2009.05.008.

Abstract

An estimated 1.5 million head injuries occur in the United States each year, with approximately 2% resulting in epidural hematomas. Epidural hematomas can be difficult to recognize clinically because the patient may not have a loss of consciousness or may have a brief loss of consciousness with a normal neurological examination. It is important to recognize patients with epidurals because the reported mortality for unrecognized epidural hematoma is as high as 40%. We report a novel method of identifying brain abnormality in a patient with a normal neurological examination result using a bedside handheld automated electroencephalogram device.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Accidental Falls
  • Electroencephalography*
  • Female
  • Hematoma, Epidural, Cranial / diagnosis*
  • Hematoma, Epidural, Cranial / etiology
  • Hematoma, Epidural, Cranial / surgery
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Skull Fractures / diagnosis*
  • Skull Fractures / etiology
  • Skull Fractures / surgery
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed