Which hematoma is characterized by delayed symptoms following head injury, including headache and confusion?

A subdural hematoma typically manifests with delayed symptoms following a head injury. This type of hematoma occurs when there is tearing of the bridging veins in the brain, often due to acceleration-deceleration forces. The blood accumulates between the dura mater and the arachnoid layer, and because this process can take time, symptoms may not emerge until days or even weeks after the initial injury.

Headaches and confusion are common symptoms associated with subdural hematomas, particularly as the hematoma expands and exerts pressure on the surrounding brain tissue. This gradual onset of symptoms can lead to a more insidious presentation compared to other types of hematomas, making recognition and timely intervention essential for optimal patient outcomes.

This contrasts with other types of hematomas, such as epidural hematomas, which usually present acutely with a classic "lucid interval," where the patient may initially be fine after the injury but then rapidly deteriorates. Subarachnoid hematomas often present with severe sudden headache and potentially loss of consciousness at the time of injury, while intracerebral hematomas result from bleeding within the brain tissue and can cause focal neurological deficits and symptoms based on the area impacted, also typically presenting soon after the injury.