title: Subdural hematomas and isolated transient aphasia.
abstract: Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is particularly common in the older patient. Chronic subdural hematoma can present with atypical, and sometimes unusual, manifestations. It has an insidious onset and can, at times, be very difficult to diagnose. The most frequent presenting symptoms are headache, changes in mental status, and hemiparesis. Chronic subdural hematoma might also present as a transient ischemic attack. Here we report a case of CSDH that presented with intermittent aphasia and no other neurological deficit. Chronic subdural hematoma usually begins with a hemorrhage into the subdural space, which then becomes encapsulated by a membrane with abundant abnormal vessels in the outer portion of the membrane. Chronic subdural hematoma is a distinct and interesting clinical entity with diverse and insidious onset. A high index of suspicions is needed to make the early diagnosis and to start appropriate treatment to avoid morbidity and mortality.
authors.affiliation: Internal Medicine Dept., Memorial Health University Medical Center, PO Box 23089, Savannah, GA 31403-3089, USA.
authors.forename: A R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Rahimi
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Poorkay