What type of hematoma often presents with spinal fluid rhinorrhea and unconsciousness after a skull fracture?

Epidural hematomas typically occur as a result of trauma, particularly skull fractures that can tear the middle meningeal artery, leading to bleeding between the skull and the dura mater. This type of hematoma is associated with rapid accumulation of blood, which can result in increased intracranial pressure and subsequent neurological deficits.

Spinal fluid rhinorrhea indicates the presence of cerebrospinal fluid leakage from the nasal cavity, a condition often linked to skull base fractures. This complication occurs alongside unconsciousness due to increased pressure or direct injury to the brain that may accompany an epidural hematoma. The rapid onset of symptoms, including a lucid interval followed by deterioration in consciousness, is characteristic of this injury pattern.

While other types of hematomas can lead to unconsciousness, they do not typically present with spinal fluid rhinorrhea. For instance, subdural hematomas are often associated with venous bleeding and may lead to slower onset symptoms due to gradual accumulation of blood, but they do not typically result in cerebral spinal fluid leaking from the nose.