The following symptoms and complaints may indicate epidural hematoma (EDH):
Pathognomonic (indicative of disease).
- Intermittent symptomatology: loss of consciousness → regaining consciousness (“symptom-free interval”) → renewed loss of consciousness (due to rising intracranial pressure).
Main symptoms
- Vigilance disorder (decreased attention).
- Homolateral mydriasis (synonym: anisocoria/unilateral pupil dilation on the bleeding side).
- Contralateral hemiparesis (hemiplegia on the side of the body opposite the hemorrhage) – caused by compression of the parasympathetic oculomotor nerve; within 1 to 2 hours.
After temporary unconsciousness, the following symptoms may occur:
- Emesis (vomiting)
- Epileptic seizures (convulsions)
- Headache, often hemifacial
- Nausea (nausea)
- Psychomotor agitation
- Vertigo (dizziness)
