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A subdural hematoma is a brain injury. Bleeding and swelling cause this traumatic injury. The injury will produce pressure on the brain. This situation along with swelling of a bruised brain will cause damage to the brain. When the pressure extends to the brain stem, the patient may experience difficulty breathing, other complications to vital organs and death can occur.

A subdural hematoma can be treated with medications, which will reduce swelling. Surgery will relieve pressure caused by the injury. A computerized tomography scan or MRI will help in the diagnosis of the injury. The hematoma will also often be seen in x-rays.

A subdural hematoma is most a serious but common injury. They happen during falls and car accidents. They are often seen is accidents that include serious head trauma. Sometimes people are falsely accused of causing this injury to their children. This brain injury can cause serious brain damage to brain cells. The brain damage will occur quickly after the injury. When a person survives the injury, they may experience serious complications such as paralysis, mental retardation, epilepsy, and other serious conditions.

Other Causes for a Subdural Hematoma
Brain damage and death can occur from physical abuse. Abused children may be victims of shaken baby syndrome. The child may be firmly shaken as a punishment. This abuse will cause serious brain injury and possibly death.