Epidural Hematoma: Medical History

The medical history represents an important component in the diagnosis of epidural hematoma (EDH).

If acute epidural hematoma is suspected, the patient is admitted to the hospital as a medical emergency. If the patient is unresponsive, the medical history must be taken with relatives or contacts (= external medical history).

Family history

  • Are there frequent cardiovascular diseases, neurological diseases or tumor diseases in your family?

Current anamnesis/systemic anamnesis (somatic and psychological complaints) (usually an external anamnesis is taken).

  • Was there an accident?
  • Do you have any recollection of a fall?
  • Was or is there unconsciousness?
  • Were or are there other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting?
  • Do you feel a sense of pressure in the head or suffer from persistent headaches?
  • Do you suffer from dizzy spells?
  • Did you experience epileptic seizures (convulsions)?
  • Do you have symptoms of paralysis?
  • If yes, how long have these symptoms been present?
  • Have these symptoms occurred before?*

Vegetative anamnesis including nutritional anamnesis.

  • Do you smoke? If yes, how many cigarettes, cigars or pipes per day?
  • Do you drink alcohol? If yes, what drink(s) and how many glasses per day?
  • Do you use drugs? If yes, what drugs and how often per day or per week?

Self-history

Medication history