Subdural haematoma
Symptoms of a subdural haematoma
A subdural haematoma can happen after a head injury.
The symptoms may start straight away, or come on gradually over a few weeks.
Symptoms of a subdural haematoma include:
- a bad headache that does not get better after taking painkillers
- feeling and being sick
- confusion and memory problems
- changes in personality, such as being unusually aggressive
- drowsiness
- slurred speech and problems with swallowing
- problems with vision, like blurred or double vision
- loss of balance and having falls
- having problems moving one side of your body (paralysis)
- seizures (fits)
- loss of consciousness – the person affected may not respond when you talk to, or touch them; this may just last for a few moments or could be much longer
Immediate action required: Go to A&E if:
You or your child have had a head injury and have:
- been knocked out but have now woken up
- vomited (been sick) since the injury
- a headache that does not go away with painkillers
- a change in behaviour, like being more irritable or losing interest in things around you (especially in children under 5)
- been crying more than usual (especially in babies and young children)
- problems with memory
- been drinking alcohol or taking drugs just before the injury
- a blood clotting disorder (like haemophilia) or you take medicine to thin your blood
- had brain surgery in the past
You should also go to A&E if you think someone has been injured intentionally, or you’re worried about yourself or your child and you’re not sure what to do.
Immediate action required: Call 999 if:
Someone has hit their head and has:
- been knocked out and has not woken up
- difficulty staying awake or keeping their eyes open
- a fit (seizure)
- fallen from a height more than 1 metre or 5 stairs
- problems with their vision or hearing
- a black eye without direct injury to the eye
- clear fluid coming from their ears or nose
- bleeding from their ears or bruising behind their ears
- numbness or weakness in part of their body
- problems with walking, balance, understanding, speaking or writing
- hit their head at speed, such as in a car crash, being hit by a car or bike or a diving accident
- a head wound with something inside it or a dent to the head
Also call 999 if you cannot get someone to A&E safely.
Do not drive to A&E.
The person you speak to at 999 will give you advice about what to do.
Treatments for subdural haematoma
If you’ve had a serious head injury, you may need a brain scan, such as a CT scan or MRI scan, to check if you have a subdural haematoma.
If you have a small haematoma that’s only causing mild symptoms, you may be monitored and given no treatment, or given medicines to reduce the swelling in your brain.
But most people with a haematoma will need surgery to remove it.
There are 2 ways surgery can be done:
- the surgeon cuts open a small section of your skull to remove the haematoma and the cut is then sealed
- the surgeon drills some small holes (called Burr holes) in your skull, and the haematoma is sucked out through the holes
Recovering from a subdural haematoma
Subdural haematomas can be very serious injuries and even with the best care, there is a high risk of death.
People with serious subdural haematomas can be left with long-term or permanent problems, such as problems with walking, talking and thinking. They may also have seizures (fits).
While it may not be possible to make a full recovery, you’ll be supported by a range of healthcare professionals who will offer treatments and therapies that can help.
These may include:
- physiotherapy – a physiotherapist can teach you exercises that may make it easier for you to move around
- occupational therapy – occupational therapy aims to improve your ability to do everyday tasks
- speech and language therapy (SLT) – a therapist can help you with any difficulties you may have with speaking, eating and swallowing
Help and support after a subdural haematoma
Recovering from a subdural haematoma can be difficult, both physically and emotionally.
As well as getting support from your care team, you may find it useful to talk to other people whose lives have been affected by having a brain injury.
Your care team may be able to provide information on patient groups in your area.
Page last reviewed: 10 July 2025
Next review due: 10 July 2028