title: Subacute and chronic extradural hematomas: a study of 30 cases.
abstract: The authors report 30 cases of extradural hematomas with prolonged course: the interval between injury and development of clinical signs was more than 48 hours. Twenty-nine were operated upon. These delayed cases have a mild clinical course and a better prognosis than the acute. Contrary to the reports that many subacute and chronic epidural hematomas are located other than temporally, the present series shows the high incidence (83%) of temporal lesions. Of the patients 74% recovered and returned to their previous occupations: the two deaths were from causes not directly related to the injury and hematoma. We conclude that most subacute hematomas arise from various, often combined, low-tension sources of bleeding. The importance of recognizing gradual neurologic deterioration and performing craniotomy in these patients is emphasized.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002908:Chronic Disease; D006259:Craniocerebral Trauma / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D006407:Hematoma, Epidural, Cranial / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013702:Temporal Lobe / Q000293:injuries; D013997:Time Factors