Chronic subdural hematoma in the elderly.

Elderly individuals may develop an asymptomatic subdural hematoma as a result of minor trauma, anticoagulant therapy, or other factors. A membrane forms around the initial clot, and this membrane becomes the source for many smaller hemorrhages. Because of these rehemorrhages, the hematoma slowly enlarges with time and ultimately becomes symptomatic. The most common symptoms are headache, changes in mentation, and hemiparesis. Chronic subdural hematomas are accurately diagnosed by either CT or MRI, and the treatment consists of surgical evacuation. After successful management, most patients return to their premorbid level of functioning.