clinical features
Last reviewed 01/2018
Effects develop rapidly as the bleeding is arterial in origin and at high pressure.
Clinical features may include:
- patient is often a young adult
- commonly follows trauma to the temporal or temporo-parietal region
- scalp oedema above the ear may be present
- concussion may be followed by temporary recovery of consciousness for minutes or hours before the onset of drowsiness and possibly coma - a characteristic phenomenon referred to as the "lucid interval"
- there may be an ipsilateral, dilated pupil on the side of the expanding lesion; a bilateral III nerve palsy may follow as rising intracranial pressure produces tentorial herniation
- there may be signs of intracranial compression
- there may be progressive contralateral hemiplegia