Pathophysiology
Traumatic laceration of the middle meningeal artery which runs between the bone and the dura, often due a fracture of the temporal or parietal bone (75%). Can also be caused by tears in a dural venous sinus, or middle meningeal vein.
Classic presenting complaint
- Young person, head trauma to the temple area
- Post-traumatic LOC (brief)
- Lucid interval
- Deteriorating consciousness, vomiting, headache, seizures.
Lucid interval can last hours-days.
On examination
As ICP increases:
- reducing consciousness
- hemiparesis, brisk reflexes and upgoing plantars contralateral to injury*
- dilated pupil ipsilateral to injury indicates brainstem compression
- respiratory arrest
Hypertension + bradycardia are late findings
*Kernohan’s phenomenon: brainstem displacement away from haematoma can cause compression of the contralateral cerebral peduncle, producing hemiparesis and UMN signs ipsilateral to the bleed – a false localising sign
Clinical approach & differential
Differential:
- Subdural haemorrhage
- Stroke
- Concussion
Urgent non-contrast CT required
LP contraindicated due to risk of herniation
Classic findings
High density biconvex (lenticular) opacity adjacent to skull, usually limited by skull sutures. Mass effect usually evident.
Rarely can appear crescent shaped, similar to subarachnoid haemorrhage.
Treatments
Mannitol
Refer to neurosurgeons for clot evacuation and ligation of artery.