This movement of the brain structures may cause shearing or tearing of the blood vessels surrounding the brain. When the blood vessels tear, blood accumulates within the space between the brain and the dura. When the blood accumulates between the dura and the brain, swelling of the brain occurs. There is no extra room within the skull to allow for the brain to swell and for the blood to accumulate. The only way the brain can compensate is to shift the delicate structures out of the way.
Some subdural hematomas are small and can resolve on their own.
Others, which may be larger or more severe, may cause serious problems and must be removed. The procedure of choice for removal of a subdural hematoma is surgery to remove the blood clot. Causes A subdural hematoma can happen to anyone, at any age. The signs and symptoms of a subdural hematoma include severe headache, dizziness, vomiting, increased size of one pupil or sudden weakness in an arm or leg. As the subdural hematoma swells and the brain structures are pushed together, more visible signs can occur.