Neurological
Medicines for Subdural haematoma
A collection of blood between the brain and its outer covering, usually after a head injury — which can develop quickly or slowly, and may need urgent treatment.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Subdural haematoma?
A subdural haematoma is a collection of blood that forms between the surface of the brain and its tough outer covering (the dura), usually caused by a head injury that tears small blood vessels. There are different types.
- How it is treated: Treatment depends on the size, type, symptoms and the person's condition.
- Self-care: Preventing head injuries (for example reducing falls in older people) and careful management of blood-thinning medicines reduce the risk.
- When to seek help: Call 999 for a significant head injury with drowsiness, confusion, repeated vomiting, severe headache, weakness, seizures or loss of consciousness.
What it is
A subdural haematoma is a collection of blood that forms between the surface of the brain and its tough outer covering (the dura), usually caused by a head injury that tears small blood vessels. There are different types. An acute subdural haematoma develops rapidly after a significant head injury and is a serious emergency. A chronic subdural haematoma develops slowly, over days to weeks, often after a relatively minor head injury (sometimes forgotten), and is more common in older people and those on blood-thinning medicines or who drink heavily. As the blood collects, it presses on the brain, causing symptoms that may include headache, confusion, drowsiness, weakness, personality or behaviour change, unsteadiness, or speech problems — which in the chronic form can come on gradually and be mistaken for other conditions. Because a subdural haematoma can worsen, it needs assessment and, often, treatment.
How it is treated
Treatment depends on the size, type, symptoms and the person's condition. A CT scan of the head confirms the diagnosis. A large or symptomatic haematoma, particularly an acute one causing significant pressure on the brain, is usually treated with urgent surgery to remove the blood and relieve the pressure. Some small haematomas with few symptoms are monitored, as they can be reabsorbed over time. Managing any contributing factors — such as reviewing blood-thinning medicines with specialists — is part of care. After treatment, recovery varies and may involve rehabilitation, and older people in particular are supported and monitored. Because symptoms can develop or worsen, especially the chronic form in older people, any new or progressive neurological symptoms after a head injury (even a minor or old one) should be assessed. Prompt treatment of significant bleeds gives the best outcomes.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Subdural haematoma
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Preventing head injuries (for example reducing falls in older people) and careful management of blood-thinning medicines reduce the risk. The key practical point is seeking assessment for new or worsening neurological symptoms after any head injury, even a minor one.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
Call 999 for a significant head injury with drowsiness, confusion, repeated vomiting, severe headache, weakness, seizures or loss of consciousness. See a doctor about new or worsening headache, confusion, drowsiness, weakness or personality change in the days or weeks after any head injury, especially in older people or those on blood thinners.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Subdural haematoma: frequently asked questions
Can a subdural haematoma develop slowly?
Yes. A chronic subdural haematoma develops slowly, over days to weeks, often after a relatively minor (even forgotten) head injury, particularly in older people and those on blood thinners. Symptoms can be gradual and mistaken for other conditions.
How is a subdural haematoma treated?
It depends on the size, type and symptoms. A large or symptomatic bleed is usually treated with urgent surgery to remove the blood and relieve pressure on the brain, while some small ones are monitored. A CT scan confirms the diagnosis.
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