Subdural hematoma symptom onset is often delayed up to which time frame?

Subdural hematoma symptom onset is often delayed up to which time frame?

• A. Immediate presentation with concussion-like symptoms
• B. Signs may be delayed up to 2-4 weeks
• C. There are no signs of intracranial pressure
• D. Symptoms only appear in children

Answer: (B)

Subdural hematoma often shows delayed symptom onset because the bleeding is venous and accumulates slowly between the dura and arachnoid. That slow buildup means a person can seem fine right after the injury, then later develop headaches, confusion, lethargy, or weakness as pressure increases. This delayed course is especially common in older adults, where brain atrophy stretches bridging veins and makes them prone to slow bleeding. Because of this gradual process, signs may appear up to two to four weeks after the injury. Immediate concussion-like symptoms would point to a fast, acute bleed rather than the typical delayed presentation, and signs are not restricted to children.

Subdural hematoma often shows delayed symptom onset because the bleeding is venous and accumulates slowly between the dura and arachnoid. That slow buildup means a person can seem fine right after the injury, then later develop headaches, confusion, lethargy, or weakness as pressure increases. This delayed course is especially common in older adults, where brain atrophy stretches bridging veins and makes them prone to slow bleeding. Because of this gradual process, signs may appear up to two to four weeks after the injury. Immediate concussion-like symptoms would point to a fast, acute bleed rather than the typical delayed presentation, and signs are not restricted to children.