Remaining under control during activities where speed is inherent, such as skiing, will help prevent head injuries and hematomas. Proper medical treatment of diseases that affect consciousness and balance can help reduce the number of subdural hematomas. Acute subdural hematomas are usually diagnosed with a CAT scan if people have progressive symptoms. MRI scans and arteriograms, or imaging studies of the arteries, will also show a hematoma. Because time is crucial with this injury, a CAT scan is usually faster.
Surgery is the treatment for acute subdural hematoma.
The skull is opened and the hematoma is removed. The bleeding vein is clotted if it is still bleeding. Often where there is swelling of the brain, the piece of bone removed so that surgery could be performed is left out. It may be replaced later if the individual recovers enough. It is useful in relieving increased pressure inside the skull that frequently occurs.