Brain haemorrhage compensation claims - traumatic subdural haemorrhage

Subdural haemorrhage claim solicitors

A subdural haemorrhage is usually diagnosed using a CT scan. The treatment needed will depend on your specific subdural haemorrhage, but a surgical procedure is usually required urgently to remove the haematoma. Very minor subdural haemorrhages may instead be monitored closely for a period of time to see if they require an operation.

If treated quickly and effectively, most people suffering from a subdural haemorrhage will make a good recovery. However, some can be left with physical and mental disabilities as a result of their head injury, if their brain was damaged by their subdural haematoma.

The difference between acute subdural haemorrhages and subacute subdural haemorrhages

An acute subdural haemorrhage is when the blood collects in a short space of time after the head injury occurred. This can be immediately, or up to a few hours after you experienced the trauma to your head. It can often be life-threatening, if not treated quickly and effectively.

A subacute subdural haematoma is where the symptoms don’t develop in the immediate aftermath of the head injury, but between three and seven days afterwards.

It’s also possible for you to have a chronic subdural haemorrhage, where the blood collects over a longer period of time, even two to three weeks after the head trauma occurred. It’s more common to find a chronic subdural haematoma in the elderly, rather than in younger patients.

Subdural haemorrhage symptoms

The symptoms of a subdural haemorrhage can be very similar to concussion, so it’s important that anyone who has received a traumatic head injury, even a minor one, is properly checked out by medical professionals. The most common symptoms of a subdural haemorrhage include:

• A headache that gets worse
• Nausea and vomiting
• Feeling confused
• Feeling drowsy
• Losing consciousness
• Personality changes, like experiencing unusual mood swings or aggression.

These symptoms can appear anything from instantly after the injury, right up to a few weeks later, so it’s important to be vigilant for any of these signs after experiencing head trauma; even minor bumps.

Causes of subdural haemorrhages

Generally, the cause of subdural haemorrhages will usually be some kind of head injury. This could be anything from what seems a minor bang on the head, to a serious head injury sustained in an accident. A traumatic subdural haematoma is more likely after significant head trauma, like a road traffic accident, a fall or an assault. This is why it’s important for any head injury, even one that seems minor, to be fully checked out by medical professionals.

What’s the difference between epidural and subdural haemorrhages?

Epidural haematomas are caused by a torn artery, usually as a result of a head injury. They can present very similar symptoms to a subdural haematoma but are different conditions, due to the area in which the bleeding occurs. Both of these conditions can be fatal if not treated in a timely manner. Usually, surgery is required to remove the haemorrhage.

Subdural haemorrhage compensation

If you have been treated for a subdural haemorrhage as a result of an accident or an assault, you may be able to claim compensation, especially if you have suffered long-term effects from your injury.

Some of the long-term effects can include:

• Memory and concentration problems
• Unusual mood changes
• Issues with speech
• Limb weakness.

These symptoms can have a significant impact on your quality of life, and you may need ongoing support to help with your recovery. If you are able to make a successful claim for subdural haemorrhage compensation, the money that you are awarded can go towards medical care, therapy and any adaptations needed for your home or vehicle as you recover.

Contact Stephensons today to find out more about how to make a claim for your subdural haemorrhage. Call us on 01616 966 229.