PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

What is typically the treatment for a subdural hemorrhage?

1. Observation and medication

2. Craniotomy with clot evacuation

3. Radiation therapy

4. Endovascular treatment

The correct answer is: Craniotomy with clot evacuation

The treatment for a subdural hemorrhage often involves a craniotomy with clot evacuation, especially in cases where the hemorrhage is significant and associated with increasing intracranial pressure or neurological deficits. This surgical intervention allows for direct access to the hematoma, enabling the surgeon to remove the accumulated blood and relieve pressure on the brain. In acute subdural hematomas, where the patient's condition is deteriorating or life-threatening, immediate surgical intervention is critical. The procedure also facilitates the assessment of any underlying brain injuries or additional issues that may not be apparent through imaging studies alone. Other treatment options mentioned, such as observation and medication, may apply to small, asymptomatic subdural hematomas, but they do not address the need for immediate intervention in more serious cases. Radiation therapy is not a treatment modality for subdural hemorrhages, as it is more relevant for certain types of tumors. Endovascular treatment is mainly indicated for vascular anomalies, such as arteriovenous malformations or aneurysms, and does not apply to the standard management of subdural hematomas.