Acute Subdural Hematoma

What are the signs and symptoms of the injury?

An acute subdural hematoma causes a quick decrease in the level of consciousness after head injury. As the hematoma gets larger, the pupil of one eye will dilate, or become wider. The eye on the side of the head with the injury is the eye affected. This dilation happens almost at the same time as increasing body weakness. The weakness is usually on the side of the body opposite the hematoma.

If consciousness continues to decrease, the pulse begins to slow. Breathing becomes difficult. The body gets weaker and less responsive to stimulation. Both pupils of the eyes become dilated and unresponsive to light. Finally, breathing ceases and death occurs.