Patient Selection

Who Should Have Subdural Evacuation?

Anyone who has been diagnosed with a subdural hematoma may be a candidate for subdural evacuation. Patient selection depends upon many factors, such as the hematoma’s consistency and how old it is. Risk factors for subdural hematoma are:

• Very young (infants)
• Victims of child abuse (shaken baby syndrome)
• Cerebral atrophy in older patients
• Use of blood thinners such as aspirin or Coumadin
• Alcoholism
• Diseases that increase the risk of falls such as Alzheimer's disease or narcolepsy