Brain and Subdural Haemorrhages

Subdural haemorrhage, also known as a subdural heamatoma, is a type of brain injury which occurs when a pool of blood collects between the skull and the surface of the brain. It is a serious condition, often leading to significant brain damage and death. It typically occurs after a fall or accident to the head.

What are the Different Categories of Subdural Haemorrhage?

Acute Subdural Haemorrhage

An acute subdural haemorrhage occurs when the small space between the surface of the brain and the injured person’s skull briefly fills with a small amount of blood after a head trauma. This can either occur immediately after the incident or after a few hours. Patients will feel the symptoms of acute subdural haemorrhage relatively quickly.

Subacute Subdural Haemorrhage

A Subacute Subdural Haemorrhage relates to subdural haematoma that is delayed. This is when the symptoms are not felt by the injured party until several days after the initial trauma. Symptoms can even take a few weeks to be felt.

Chronic Subdural Haemorrhage

This type of subdural haemorrhage is rarely experienced. This occurs when the blood which is pooled in between the brain and the skull collects for a long period of time. It is most frequently seen in older patients. A Chronic Subdural Haemorrhage can last up to three weeks after the initial trauma to the head.

What Treatment is Available?

Subdural haematomas are most often treated with surgery. A surgeon will remove part of the skull and extract the haematoma before reattaching the part of the skull. This is called a craniotomy. Another type of surgery is Burr hole surgery, where the haematoma is drained from the skull, thus reducing pressure.

What does Recovery Involve?

Subdural haemorrhages are a serious form of brain injury which can often lead to life-altering injuries. Patients often require extensive rehabilitation to adjust to the physical and mental challenges that arise following surgery.

A patient’s best chance of recovery is when the treatment they receive is at a high standard. Failure to diagnose the patient quickly and poor post-operative rehabilitation can compound the struggles of the injury.

How can Lavelle Partners Assist you in Bringing a Claim?

The Lavelle Partners Team is headed by partner Avril Scally, who has almost 20 years’ experience in Medical Negligence and Personal Injury claims. The team places client care at the centre of everything they do.

Our team have developed a reputation for excellence in their field, most recently being the recipients of Medical Negligence Law Firm of the Year at the Irish Law Awards in both 2022 and 2023.

From the first moment you speak to one of our solicitors, we will listen to your case carefully and with empathy and will only recommend advancing your case if we believe you have a valid case.

We have both the legal expertise and understanding of the real-life challenges faced by individuals and their families following such events.

Our solicitors will manage the process entirely on your behalf; compiling the information necessary for your case, including medical notes and managing the submission of your medical negligence claim.

By entrusting us to handle your brain injury claim on your behalf, you can focus on what is most important, your recovery and care or that of your family member or loved one.