Which symptom can be seen in patients with epidural hematoma due to traumatic brain injury?

Which symptom can be seen in patients with epidural hematoma due to traumatic brain injury?

• A. Seizures
• B. Nuchal rigidity
• C. Fever
• D. Headache

Answer: (A)

Epidural hematoma after head trauma usually arises from arterial bleeding, causing rapid expansion of a hematoma that increases intracranial pressure and produces focal neurological signs. A classic pattern is an initial loss of consciousness at injury, a lucid interval, then a rapid deterioration with a severe headache reflecting the brain’s mass effect. Among the choices, headache best represents this characteristic feature of the expanding hematoma. Seizures can occur from cortical irritation, but they are not the defining symptom and are less consistently seen. Nuchal rigidity suggests meningitis or subarachnoid irritation, and fever is not typical of a traumatic epidural bleed.

Epidural hematoma after head trauma usually arises from arterial bleeding, causing rapid expansion of a hematoma that increases intracranial pressure and produces focal neurological signs. A classic pattern is an initial loss of consciousness at injury, a lucid interval, then a rapid deterioration with a severe headache reflecting the brain’s mass effect. Among the choices, headache best represents this characteristic feature of the expanding hematoma. Seizures can occur from cortical irritation, but they are not the defining symptom and are less consistently seen. Nuchal rigidity suggests meningitis or subarachnoid irritation, and fever is not typical of a traumatic epidural bleed.