Use of Drains After Evacuation of Chronic Subdural Hematomas

Abstract

A subdural hematoma (SDH) is a collection of blood that accumulates between the surface of the brain and its outermost covering, called the dura. These types of hematmas usually result from tears in bridging veins that cross this subdural space, which is typically the result of some form of trauma. A patient’s risk of developing a SDH increases with age as the brain tends to pull away from the dura, therefore stretching the bridging veins and increasing the subdural space. In addition the risk of progression of a SDH is greater if the patient is already regularly taking an anticoagulant such as Aspirin, Plavix, or Coumadin.