Trial of Dexamethasone for Chronic Subdural Hematoma

Abstract

Chronic subdural hematoma is a common neurological disorder mainly affecting older people.1 It consists of a collection of blood and blood breakdown products in the intracranial subdural space that liquefies over time; the inciting event often is minor head trauma; subsequent inflammation may play a role in the pathogenesis.2 The time of onset of chronic subdural hematoma is often not known but in some instances can be presumptively dated to a head injury. The incidence of chronic subdural hematoma is increasing due to an ageing population and use of anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications.3 Chronic subdural hematoma evacuation has been projected to become the most common cranial neurosurgical operation among adults by the year 2030 in the U.S