Menu Healthy Lifestyle Diseases & Conditions First Aid Symptoms Tests & Procedures Videos Definitions FAQs Subdural hematomaUpdated: 2018-05-24OverviewSubdural hematoma is a medical emergency. It's usually caused by a head injury that bursts blood vessels, causing pooled blood to push on the brain. Age, blood-thinning drugs, and alcohol abuse increase risk. SymptomsHeadache, confusion, vomiting, slurred speech, or coma may appear immediately or weeks after a head injury. TreatmentsSmall or symptomless SDHs may only need to be watched over time. Surgery is often needed. © 1998-2022 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research(MFMER). All rights reserved. Terms of Use