Epidural Hematoma

Epidural hematoma or as it is sometimes called extradural hematoma, develops between the outer dural layer and the inner table of the skull in the potential space called the epidural space. Normally there is no epidural space as the dura mata is attached to the inner skull but a space can be created if the dura is stripped away from the skull such as might be seen following a fracture. Hemorrhage of blood vessels cause blood to accumulate in the epidural space forming a hematoma. As the hematoma expands it causes intracerebral pressure that compresses the brain. Unless this pressure is relieved, brainstem herniation occurs crushing the midbrain and resulting in death