Dr David Oehme Melbourne Neurosurgeon
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Craniotomy for Subdural Haematoma

Information about Surgery for Subdural and Intracranial Haemorrhage

A subdural haematoma (SDH) is a blood clot that occurs in the subdural space, between the skull and the brain.  Subdural haematomas commonly result from trauma to the head.

Some subdural haematomas can be large and acute requiring emergency surgery.  Other subdural haematomas can be chronic and be managed without surgery.  Sometimes subdural haematomas  can place harmful pressure on the brain.  When symptoms develop they include headache, drowsiness and weakness.  Dr Oehme will advise you on on whether surgery is required to drain the blood clot.  

Craniotomy to drain a subdural haematoma is performed under general anaesthesia, and creates an opening through the skull for removal of the blood clot on the surface of the brain and to stop any bleeding.   For more information about surgery for subdural haematoma watch the video below.  
Craniotomy for Subdural Haematoma


Risks of Craniotomy for Subdural Haematoma


Dr Oehme will advise if surgery is required to drain a subdural haematoma.  Like any surgical procedure there are risks associated with the anaesthetic and the procedure itself.  

Risks of Anaesthesia

Risks of anaesthesia will be discussed with you by your anaesthetist prior to surgery.  It is important that you inform us of your correct age and any past medical problems, as this can influence the risk of anaesthesia.  Risks include:

  • Heart problems, such as heart attack (AMI) or arrhythmia  
  • Lung problems,  such as infection (pneumonia) or blood clots
  • Urinary tract infection
  • Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT)
  • Eye or visual problems
  • Pressure wounds
  • Stroke
  • Small risk of significant life-threatening event

General Risks of Craniotomy

Although surgery for subdural haematomas is generally safe, there are some risks whenever performing a craniotomy.  These include:

  • Infection 1-2%
  • Seizures which can require taking medication.  Rarely this can lead to epilepsy requiring longterm medication. 
  • Bleeding.  This can occur at the time of surgery and may necessitate a blood transfusion.  It can also occur at some time after surgery.   The bleeding may be present in the brain or adjacent to it.  Sometimes another operation is required to drain the bloodclot and stop the bleeding.  
  • Stroke
  • Brain fluid leak (CSF leak)
  • Small risk of significant neurological injury causing paralysis, coma or death.  

Specific Risks of Craniotomy for Craniotomy for Subdural Haematoma
 
The specific risks of draining a subdural haematoma will be discussed in detail prior to your surgery but may include:


  • Weakness or numbness in the limbs 
  • Visual disturbance
  • Speech disturbance or paralysis (stroke like symptoms).
  • Cognitive impairment and memory problems
  • Incomplete removal
  • Recurrence of the haematoma
  • Requirement for further treatment with re-drainage
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek an opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
All enquiries 1800 DO SPINE (1800 367 746). 
​Copyright Dr David Oehme 2021 ©. 


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Website by ​Dr David Oehme 
  • Home
  • About
    • Mr David Oehme >
      • CV
      • Awards & Prizes
      • Research
    • Mr Andrew Gogos
    • News
    • FAQS
    • Privacy Statement
  • Patient Info
    • Brain Surgery >
      • Brain Conditions Treated >
        • Arachnoid Cyst
        • Brain Tumours >
          • Glioma & Glioblastoma
          • Meningioma
          • Metastatic Brain Tumours
        • Chiari Malformation
        • Hydrocephalus
        • Trigeminal Neuralgia
      • Brain Surgeries Performed >
        • Craniotomy
        • Craniotomy for Meningioma
        • Craniotomy for Subdural Haematoma
        • Craniotomy for Tumour
        • Foramen Magnum Decompression for Chiari
        • Microvascular Decompression
        • VP Shunt
      • FAQS about Brain Surgery
    • Spine Surgery >
      • Spine Conditions Treated >
        • Back Pain
        • Cervical Myelopathy
        • Cervical Disc Herniation & Brachialgia
        • Degenerative Disc Disease
        • Neck Pain
        • Sciatica & Disc Herniation
        • Spinal Stenosis & Spondylosis (Lumbar)
        • Spine & Disc Anatomy
        • Spondylolisthesis
      • Spine Surgeries & Procedures >
        • ACDF
        • Cervical Disc Replacement
        • Laminectomy (Cervical)
        • Laminectomy (Lumbar)
        • Lumbar Decompression (MIS)
        • Microdiscectomy (MIS)
        • Spinal Fusion >
          • ALIF (MIS)
          • PLIF (MIS)
          • TLIF (MIS)
          • XLIF (MIS)
        • Nerve Root Injection
        • Epidural Spine Injection
        • Facet Joint Injection
      • FAQs About Spine Surgery
    • Peripheral Nerve Surgery >
      • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
      • Ulnar Neuropathy
    • Patient Videos
    • Staff >
      • Anaesthetists
    • FAQS
  • Patient Videos
  • For Doctors
    • Refer a patient
    • Online Referrals
    • Services
    • FAQS
    • Emergency Info
  • Locations
  • Contact