NMS Diagnosis I Palmer Exam 3 Practice Test

Which term describes bleeding between the skull and the outer membranes of the brain?

Epidural hematoma Subdural hematoma Intracerebral hematoma Subarachnoid hemorrhage

Correct Answer:

Epidural hematoma

Explanation:

This describes an epidural hematoma, because the bleed is located between the skull and the dura mater, the outer membrane surrounding the brain. The term epidural (or extradural) specifically refers to blood collecting in that space. This is different from a subdural hematoma, which occurs between the dura and the arachnoid layer; an intracerebral hematoma, which is within brain tissue itself; and a subarachnoid hemorrhage, which is in the subarachnoid space around the brain. Epidural bleeds are typically arterial in origin (often from a middle meningeal artery injury, such as with a temporal bone fracture) and can expand rapidly, leading to quick clinical deterioration if not addressed. Imaging commonly shows a lens-shaped, biconvex collection that abuts the skull.

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