Chronic subdural haematoma

[Anoneemouse]

Hi. Just looking for some advice....my dad fell a month ago due to heart block. he ended up with 2 small 5 and 6mm subdurals. He got a pacemaker, got home and all was well. He then developed a right sided weakness and over the next week became more confused and lost the ability to speak. He then had seizures and was rescanned. The haematomas were 23 and 27mm. He had burr hole evacuation 24 hours ago, and the hospital said it would take 12-48 hours to assess how he might recover. Last night after 12 hours he was still gcs 8 ish. Which was much the same as when he had the procedure. Does anyone know if this is to be expected, or is this a bad sign? We were given the option of palliative care before the op but my mum wanted him to have the procedure. Thanks in advance!

[cat3]

Hi Anoneemouse. As a none-expert I'm not seeing anything too alarming in your post, and a GSC of 8 sounds about right considering your dad's procedure and the trauma to his brain..(think mine was around 5 after burst aneurism).

Maybe you should speak to Headway staff on 0808 800 2244 for extra support and advice ; unfortunately the helpline operates during office hours so it'll be Monday when the lines are open again. Calls are free.

But no one can really predict an accurate outcome owing to the uniqueness of each brain, so doctors can seem uncooperative when asked for a prognosis, but any prediction would be guesswork and unhelpful.

It's a watch, wait and hope situation I'm afraid.....something many here have been subjected to (or the subject of) and a truly agonising ordeal for loved ones. I only hope you'll start to notice signs of recovery in you dad before too long.

We're always here to talk m'dear, and please bear in mind the helpline next week for further support/advice.

All best wishes for your dad's improvement... Cat x

[Anoneemouse in reply to cat3]

Hi Cat. Thanks for the reply. There may have been a tiny improvement this evening, so fingers crossed!

[cat3 in reply to Anoneemouse]

Tiny is good ! There might be highs & lows before you feel you can relax a little because, whilst medics can't intervene in the actual process of brain healing, progress is often spasmodic.

My family described how they were one minute elated at my progress, then panicking the next, and then relieved again …….& so on, and how they only wished they'd believed the consultant who'd warned this is standard form with brain injury. It's why staff are usually laid back about it as they see it time after time.

Keep us updated m'love… fingers crossed for sure for more good signs. x