Epidural Hematoma: Complications

The following are the major diseases or complications that may be contributed to by epidural hematoma (EDH):

Cardiovascular system (I00-I99)

  • Entrapment syndrome
    • Upper entrapment: affects the temporal lobe
      • Crushing of the diencephalon (controls vital processes!) → can lead to death
      • Impairment of nerve pathways that control body movement; paresis (paralysis) may occur
    • Lower entrapment: pressure from above on the cerebellum, which in turn leads to compression of the medulla oblangata (medulla oblongata; part of the brain stem)
      • Vital control centers of the body such as the respiratory center may be affected → may lead to death (respiratory arrest)

Musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99).

  • Motor and sensory deficits associated with spinal cord compression – depending on the level of compression.

Psyche – nervous system (F00-F99; G00-G99).

  • Cerebral edema (brain swelling) – resulting from cerebral volume and pressure increase.

Genitourinary system (kidneys, urinary tract – reproductive organs) (N00-N99).