Epidural hematoma symptoms include which of the following?

Epidural hematoma symptoms include which of the following?

• A. Confusion, dizziness, drowsiness/altered level of alertness, enlarged pupil in one eye, severe headache, nausea/vomiting
• B. Fever and rash
• C. Chronic fatigue
• D. No symptoms

Answer: (A)

Epidural hematoma causes a rapid rise in intracranial pressure after a head injury, so the symptoms reflect brain irritation and potential herniation. The combination of confusion, dizziness, and drowsiness indicates a decreased level of consciousness from the expanding bleed. A severe headache is typical as pressure builds. Nausea and vomiting are common signs of intracranial pressure changes. The enlarged pupil on one side points to compression of the oculomotor nerve, often from uncal herniation as the hematoma expands, and is a hallmark of this emergency. Fever and rash would suggest infection or inflammatory processes, not an acute bleed in the skull. Chronic fatigue is a nonspecific symptom that doesn’t fit the sudden, focal, and progressing nature of an epidural hematoma. No symptoms would be inconsistent with a clear history of head injury and the expected rapid neurological changes.

Epidural hematoma causes a rapid rise in intracranial pressure after a head injury, so the symptoms reflect brain irritation and potential herniation. The combination of confusion, dizziness, and drowsiness indicates a decreased level of consciousness from the expanding bleed. A severe headache is typical as pressure builds. Nausea and vomiting are common signs of intracranial pressure changes. The enlarged pupil on one side points to compression of the oculomotor nerve, often from uncal herniation as the hematoma expands, and is a hallmark of this emergency.

Fever and rash would suggest infection or inflammatory processes, not an acute bleed in the skull. Chronic fatigue is a nonspecific symptom that doesn’t fit the sudden, focal, and progressing nature of an epidural hematoma. No symptoms would be inconsistent with a clear history of head injury and the expected rapid neurological changes.